The Shadow
Dear Editor,
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Each year, May allows Alleghany Highlands Community Services the opportunity to highlight mental health. It is an opportune time to explore how we care for the mental health of our family, friends, community, and ourselves.
Ask yourself the question, “How often do you feel anxious, depressed, out of control, angry, not worthy, overwhelmed or numb?”
The National Association of Mental Illness reports, “One in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through friends and family. Mental health and physical health are equally important. Mental health requires maintenance and support just as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.
According to a 2014 study, up to 90 percent of those seeking treatment for mental health reported improvement and reduction in symptoms.
As the public mental health service provider for Alleghany County, city of Covington, Clifton Forge, and part of Iron Gate, Alleghany Highlands Community Services wants the community to know that we are here to help.
We provided mental health services to more than 1,000 residents in our catchment area during last fiscal year. We offer a variety of treatment options to individuals and families in need, and we will provide assistance in understanding the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and individuals that we serve, Alleghany Highlands Community Services ask you to join them in bringing about greater awareness of mental health.
Sincerely,
Ingrid W. Barber
Executive Director – Alleghany Highlands Community Services Covington
