01/31/2020
Mental health- Please, take the time to read my response after the photos.
It is so worth it on the other end. I’m still fighting each and everyday, some days worse than others, but I’m stronger than I was a year ago; stronger than I was yesterday. At the end of the day, I am proud of the person I have become. I am proud of the person I am still becoming. I’m proud of the way I healed. I am proud of the way I survived.
There is still a huge stigma around mental health; it is only with more education, awareness, and understanding can we begin to break down the barriers that exist to provide appropriate and medically necessary services to individuals who need help. Of the 9.9 million people that live in Michigan, close to 4.5% live with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder (according to SAMHSA). On a national level, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in four (57.7 million Americans) experience a mental health disorder in a given year. Mental illnesses are just as serious as a medical illness, and they cannot be overcome through will power; they are not related to a person’s character; just like a medical illness, they must be diagnosed and treated by a professional who can offer the best treatment for each diagnosis.
RESOURCES:
If you or a loved one needs help there are many resources in Michigan that can help:
If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call the Su***de Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or go to your nearest emergency room
A map of Community Mental Health Services and contact Information by County (CMH’s can provide you additional resources as well as treatment options) (https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4868_4899-178824--,00.html
A Resource Guide for Families Dealing with Mental Illness provided by NAMI https://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDCH-MentalIllness-10AUG04_102671_7.pdf
Michigan 211- By dialing 211, you can obtain free referrals and information that can provide you with a wide range of health and human services 24/7, 365 days a year.
Photographer: .photo
HMUA: Gals and Ghouls @ The Studio: Detroit