Support YWCA Bradford During Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know that  1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness yearly, and less than half receive treatment?

Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or social status. However, despite the prevalence of mental health issues, many people still struggle to access the help they need due to a lack of resources, financial constraints, or stigma surrounding mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed. Let’s take a look at the mental health services YWCA Bradford offers.
 

YWCA Bradford Mental Health Services

YWCA Bradford provides mental health services daily for people all over McKean County living with mental illness. Our Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Program (MHDDP) empowers individuals with serious mental health and/or developmental disabilities to develop skills and coping techniques to foster recovery and achieve the maximum level of independence at which they can successfully function.

YWCA Bradford offers three main services for those living with mental illness: medication monitoring and supported living services.

Medication Monitoring

Our medication monitoring program helps participants to live independently as much as possible. Participants work with our staff to develop the necessary skills to manage medications and control symptoms that would otherwise put them at risk for inpatient care or restrictive living arrangements. Our Program Director, Clinical Supervisor (who is a Registered Nurse), and Consulting Psychiatrist oversee this program. 

Our staff drives all over McKean County twice daily, 365 days a year, to ensure participants get their needed medication. 

Referrals and admission to this program are made through program staff and approved by Community Care Behavioral Health, a managed care company. This service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the year for qualified individuals.

Supported Living Services

We want to ensure participants can live as independently as possible. Our supportive living services include: 

• Budgeting and shopping assistance 
• Nutrition education 
• Household maintenance support 
• Life skills assistance

Homemaker Chore

People thrive in clean and safe environments. Some people with mental illness sometimes have trouble keeping up with household chores. We provide cleaning services to ensure a safe living environment.

Do You or a Loved One Need Mental Health Services?

Our services are available for anyone with mental health and/or developmental disabilities. We work with the Behavioral Services Unit and support coordinators/case workers to ensure our participants get the services they need to thrive.

Our services might be right for you if: 

• You or a loved one has mental health illness or disability that prevents the individual from taking medications regularly.
• Your doctor prescribed medications for your mental health issues or disabilities that you struggle to keep organized or remember to take.
• You know someone struggling and unable to care for themselves or their home due to mental health illness or disabilities.
• You have mental health issues or disabilities and would like to make healthy changes in your life.
• You would like to learn and understand more about the mental illness or disability you have.

Call us at (814) 368-4235 for more information.

Support YWCA Bradford During Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is crucial to our overall well-being, yet it's still an often stigmatized or overlooked topic. 

Mental Health Awareness Month aims to change that by encouraging people to talk openly about mental health, promoting the importance of self-care, and providing resources and support to those in need.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to break down these barriers and promote the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. It's a time to highlight the resources and support available to those in need and to encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

Want to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month? There are many ways to participate, including:  

• Participating in mental health events like Chalk the Walk, Light the Way, and YWCA Bradford’s Giving Tuesday to benefit the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Program
• Sharing mental health resources on social media (watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for posts you can use) 
• Or simply taking the time to check in on a friend or loved one who may be struggling with mental health issues

Take Care of Your Mental Health

It's essential to prioritize our mental well-being by practicing self-care and seeking help when needed. This can include activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and therapy. 

Caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health. Our mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave. It impacts our overall well-being and quality of life. Here are some reasons why it's necessary to care for our mental health:

• Improves overall health: When we prioritize our mental health, we are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. This, in turn, can improve our physical health.
• Reduces the risk of mental health disorders: By taking care of our mental health, we can reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
• Increases resilience: When we have good mental health, we are better able to cope with challenges and setbacks, and are more resilient in the face of stressors.
• Improves relationships: Good mental health can improve our ability to communicate and connect with others, which can lead to stronger and more meaningful relationships.
• Enhances productivity: When we take care of our mental health, we are more focused, productive, and creative, which can lead to greater success in both our personal and professional lives.
  
  Overall, caring for our mental health is essential to our overall well-being. It allows us to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Support YWCA Bradford’s Mental Health Services

Mental Health Awareness Month is a critical time to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed. Let's work together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, provide resources and support to those in need, and prioritize our mental well-being. 

Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and help is available for those who need it.

You can prioritize mental health and work towards a world where everyone has access to the care and support they need by donating to YWCA Bradford’s Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Program here: