(Le Mars) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to mental health officials, fortunately, people’s attitudes towards mental health illnesses have begun to change. Kim Keleher with Plains Area Mental Health Clinic of Le Mars says no longer should mental health illnesses be kept in the dark.
Keleher says stress, anxiety, and depression are all common types of mental health issues that many people simply won’t seek counseling or assistance. She says people should perhaps seek counseling when day-to-day problems grow and
become major concerns with our daily lives.
Keleher says family members, friends, and colleagues should look for the clues that indicate a person may be suffering from anxiety, stress, or deep depression.
The Plains Area Mental Health executive says if a family member has questions, or is concerned about a loved one, the Le Mars clinic can offer free consultation. Unfortunately, Keleher says there have been an increase in suicides over the last few years, and she explains why some people choose to end their life.
Keleher says depression is an actual physical aliment clinical condition.
Keleher says her office is also seeing an increase of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases. She says many times, staff from Plains Area Mental Health Clinic will go on-site immediately to assist those people suffering from a dramatic trauma event.
Keleher says often times with senior citizen patients they are more reluctant to discuss their concerns relating to their mental health.
