The discussion around mental health has been spotlighted more and more over the last few years. In 2013, former President Barack Obama launched a national conversation on mental health to reduce the shame and secrecy associated with mental illness, encourage people to seek help if they are struggling, and encourage individuals whose friends or family are struggling to connect them to help.

From 2013 to 2016, 8.1% of American adults aged 20 and over had depression. In 2022, one in ten adults struggle with depression of some kind, while almost 20% are struggling with different types of mental illness. The stigma around mental health has improved with the commonality of experiencing mental health issues, but it hasn’t gone away completely.

Going into the fourth year of a global pandemic, many people have had to adjust their lives in more permanent ways than originally anticipated. Whether it was permanent job loss or the loss of a loved one, the toll that the pandemic has taken on people around the world has started to feel somewhat like the norm.

While medication and other treatments can make things easier, it is important to continue the conversation and support those around us. People feel obligated to lie or power through their struggles, but having grace and giving them the freedom to slow down and take a breath can be the extra bit of support they need that day.

One of the most effective methods to treat mental health is through counseling and therapy. Clearwater Counseling, PC is one of the many resources available in Omaha. We spoke to Kayla Leddy for more information on improving the stigma and experience for those struggling.

Kayla Leddy

“At Clearwater Counseling, PC we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our experienced and compassionate team of professionals work with our clients to evaluate and treat a variety of mental health diagnoses so that they can live happier, fuller lives,” said Kayla. “We work with our clients to treat a wide variety of mental health diagnoses. We know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Many people experience mental health struggles at some point in their life. Mental health battles may vary from anxieties, behavioral, life transitions, depression and stress, all of which can affect our mood, thoughts, and behaviors.”

While getting the help you need is important, people struggling with mental health also need support and understanding from their loved ones and community.

“Those who seek therapy are looking for clarity in certain areas of their life. They are also wanting to work through complex emotions or even a traumatic experience. Sometimes, those who seek help are challenging their negative thinking patterns and striving to learn new techniques to cope with difficult scenarios,” explained Kayla. “The more we talk about mental health, the higher chance we have of saving more lives. It’s important to take steps to educate yourself and others. Consider talking with a health care professional or mental health provider about your own mental health.”

Clearwater Counseling, PC is committed to making a difference in the way our community approaches mental health and the stigma around getting help. If you are looking for a place to start your journey, look no further than the wonderful team at Clearwater Counseling, PC.

With winter settling in and the holidays in full swing, this season is beyond busy and it can be easy to push therapy to the side. Make sure you put your health first by keeping your scheduled sessions. This time with your therapist will allow you to address and overcome the worries and obstacles you are facing.