May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to be mindful of our mental health and destigmatize mental health disorders. Mental health is often misunderstood, which leads to stigma and prejudice.

Some overlooked aspects of mental health disorders that can help us understand the importance of prioritizing mental health care include:

1. Trauma-Informed Care: Many individuals experiencing mental health issues have also experienced trauma from adverse events. Understanding the impact of trauma and providing trauma-informed care is essential for effective treatment.

2. Physical health connection: Physical health conditions can exacerbate mental health and vice versa. It’s important to keep this interconnectivity in mind when treating mental health.

3. Access to care: Location, income, insurance coverage and cultural beliefs can sometimes become barriers to accessing affordable and culturally competent mental health care.

4. Preventative measures: Mental health should not be addressed reactively only, but also proactively. Preventative measures such as stress management techniques and early intervention programs can help mitigate the development of mental health issues.

At Flatrock, many of our residents live with a variety of mental health challenges, which we help them navigate. And we understand the importance of recognizing and supporting mental health care in all its aspects, so our residents can live full and enriching lives.