Managing Mental Health and Removing The Stigma

JULY IS NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH It is time to bring awareness to the unique challenges that ethnic minorities face. Our conversation was meant to open the line of communication on what mental health looks like – and how it’s emotional, mental and spiritual. Our guests Denise Epps and Alaina Richie are a mother-daughter who went through a mental health crisis together. Alaina noticed her mom having issues when she was a senior in high school. She changed her plans to attend an out of state college to be closer to home to help mom. Denise was hospitalized and has since received the treatment necessary to live a healthy productive life. The two now speak openly about their personal crisis in hopes that others will receive the help and care needed. They suggest you call “soft lines” when mental health assistance is necessary – Mental Health Alliance 800/915-1355, National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI 800/950-NAMI or if you’re in crisis call 988 immediately Dr. Treshonda Baucom, a licensed mental health counselor and professor along with Erica Bluntson one of the clinicians in her practice Enriched Life Counseling shared that treatment can help reduce the pressures of mental illness once it’s identified. Dr. Baucom helps children and teens struggling with ADHD, anxiety and depression to achieve balance in their social and family relationships. Erica and the others on their team are available to help all ages through therapy. They offer care to all and encourage you connect with them at 407/593-4500. www.EnrichedLifeCounseling.com