SARASOTA – Two Suncoast psychologists are emphasizing the importance of Mental Health since May is National Mental Health Awareness month.
In the U.S., May is observed as a month dedicated to raising awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues. All in a effort to help reduce the stigma so many people experience.
“If we have pain or a bone breaks we go to the doctor, if you have a temperature you go to the doctor, but your emotions cans break too, your feelings can break, and when they break you need help, and you usually can’t resolve them alone,” said Licensed Psychologist in Florida, Dr. Eddy Regnier.
Dr. Eddy Regnier is a licensed psychologist in Florida, he says knowledge is power when it comes to mental health and knowing the signs in some cases can help save lives.
“Because it can prevent suicides, it can prevent sadness, it can prevent social isolation, and people can reach out to a child and make that child’s life more worthy, so education about mental health is everything,” said Dr. Regnier.
Dr. Regnier says awareness has helped break down the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. And with advancements in technology, more people are seeking resources.
“People are now doing therapy online, they’re doing it through zoom, licensed therapist are talking to people through the phone, its less expensive, more accessible so these are all positive things,” said Dr. Regnier.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Denise Schnowald, says one of the most common things she sees with her clients are anxiety and depression.
“The body is giving us a warning sign and we need to listen to it,” said Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Denise Schonwald.
Schonwald says seeking help early is vital.
“We start to address the issues when they are smaller rather than waiting to getting to the point where we are panicking every day and now all of the sudden we want help, it makes it much more difficult for the mental health counselors trying to help something that has completely gotten out of control.”
Those who need immediate assistance can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK which will transition to a simple three-digit number, 988, in July.
