May Nat'l Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) officials are reminding people that the county offers treatment programs for those with mental health problems to help them lead healthy, normal lives.

The county offers mental health services for people of all ages in every region of the county. Services include:

1. Mental health assessments

2. Individual, family and group therapy

3. Special services for children

4. Medication services

5. Crisis intervention and 24-hour psychiatric emergency care

Mental health services are confidential and based on the belief that people can and do recover from mental illness. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of people suffering from a mental illness can lead productive lives if they receive appropriate treatment. However, the stigma associated with mental illness keeps many people from seeking the help they need.

Some of the warning signs of a mental illness include severe feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety and panic attacks. For more information or for help with mental health problems, call the county’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339.