In today\u2019s advanced world, our society is more open and inclusive than ever.\u00a0 We openly discuss topics that were deemed far too sensitive generations ago.\u00a0 If those sensitive topics are related to medicine or health, television advertising urges us to seek treatment from any number of products.\u00a0 But there is one health issue that is still buried beneath a layer of silence ingrained in our society over the course of centuries:\u00a0 mental illness.<\/p>\n
Mental illness carries a stigma that prevents far too many people from speaking out and seeking treatment for fear of discrimination and fear of being shunned. The numbers are staggering.\u00a0 Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year.\u00a0 Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States.\u00a0 Around 25% of adults experience a mental health issue in a given year, yet less than 1 in 3 adults receives services.\u00a0 Too many people are suffering in silence, afraid to seek treatment and support.\u00a0 Earlier this summer, the Obama administration held a conference on mental health in Washington D.C., and called for community conversations across the country to open a dialogue on mental health, and end the silence and stigma around mental health.<\/p>\n
In Florida\u2019s Palm Beach County, Regan Communications is part of an inspiring initiative that has helped this region become a model for \u201cBreaking the Silence\u201d around mental health.\u00a0 Regan is performing public relations services for a coalition of stakeholders known as the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health.\u00a0 This initiative has brought community organizers, mental health professionals, the School District of Palm Beach County, the PBC Sheriff\u2019s Office and others together as a working team to create open dialogue around mental health and create an atmosphere of respect around the issue \u2013 so that people in need of treatment and support can be connected to the resources available to help them.\u00a0 The early returns on this initiative are quite encouraging.<\/p>\n
While society has been conditioned to fear and remain silent about mental illness, Regan Communications is helping the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health make significant strides getting its message out through media coverage aimed at creating an environment where mental illness is thought of in similar terms as any other treatable medical condition.\u00a0 The School District of Palm Beach County, through the efforts of the Action Alliance, is starting to implement mental health curriculum in elementary schools, an initiative whose importance was highlighted by the education reporter for the Sun Sentinel and previewed by News Channel 5:<\/p>\n
http:\/\/articles.sun-sentinel.com\/2013-09-19\/news\/fl-mental-health-counselor-20130919_1_school-counselors-guidance-counselors-freedom-shores<\/a><\/p>\n