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If your loved one is sexually assaulted

If Your Loved One is Sexually Assaulted-Be the Encourager

If your loved one is sexually assaulted, you might now know what to do. For example, your girlfriend may be raped, or your boyfriend opens up and tells you that he was molested as a child. A friend may tell you in hushed tones that she was sexually assaulted by a friend or someone she was dating. I get asked often what do to if your loved one is sexually assaulted, and one important thing to do is to remember your role with them. One of your roles is to encourage them- Be an Encourager. Healing from trauma is hard work. It’s exhausting and taxing. As a supporter, you can help by encouraging the survivor to continue doing their work of healing while validating how difficult the process is. Sometimes we all need a word of encouragement to continue down an uncomfortable path. Make time to encourage the survivor in your life, letting them know they can do it and that you have faith in them. Here are some things you can say to encourage your loved one if they are sexually assaulted: I can see how hard this is, and I’m proud of you I bet it was really hard to go to therapy today Thank you for telling me how I can help you in this moment You’re doing a good job taking care of yourself-you must be exhuasted I see all your hard work to heal, I see your progress even if you can’t right now    

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Where Can You Get Therapy for Depression?

When you break a leg, you see an orthopedist. When you have a cavity, you see the dentist. These are all standard actions for standard issues, but unfortunately the same can’t always be said when it comes to mental health. Mental health issues are also known as “silent killers” because a large percentage of those who suffer from common mental health issues such as depression never get the help they need. If you’re ready to finally move your life forward and help get yourself on the path out of depression, you will need professional help for the best outcome. For most this is in the form of therapy. If you’re finally ready to seek a therapist to help you with depression, you need to know where to start, but let’s help you on that end. So, Where Can You Get Therapy for Depression? Hospital If you live in a small town, you may not have the therapy resources that larger cities do, but if you have a hospital, you should be able to find help. It’s difficult to make that first move but if you’re having trouble finding therapy for your depression, take that step and call your local hospital for therapy and depression resources. Psychologist/Psychiatrist Office Not all psychologists and psychiatry offices are created equally. You want to find a therapist who specializes in depression. Not all therapy is good therapy either so take your time, look up reviews and ratings, and talk to any prospective doctors or therapists before setting up any sessions. Therapists/Counselors A therapist doesn’t have to have a Ph.D. to be able to help you, so keep your options open. There are many independent therapy and counseling offices across the country that can provide help without having an MD or Ph.D. attached to their last name. In/Out Patient Mental Health Facility We get it, it can be difficult to swallow your pride and call a mental health facility, but they are there to help you and those like you. A mental health facility can help get you set up with therapy and can make other recommendations to help you get better. Therapy for depression is out there and available, but its’ up to you to get started. Use the list above to find depression and therapy resources, and start getting the help you not only need but deserve, today.

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3 Things to Know About National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week

There’s a reason that mental illnesses have the nickname “silent killers.” There is still a stigma associated with mental illness, so many people suffer alone, and never seek the help they need. Some of the most common forms of unspoken mental illness in the country are anxiety and depression. No one is immune to these mental health issues, yet many suffer silently. To cut through misunderstanding and to give the voiceless a voice, we observe National Anxiety and Awareness Week, which is observed May 7th through 13th in 2017. Let’s learn more about the National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week and what it’s all about. What to Know About National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week Anxiety and Depression Affect More People than You Think Studies and surveys show that anxiety is the most diagnosed mental illness in the country at around 40 million Americans or 18 percent of the general population. Out of that number, half of those are dual-diagnosed with depression. Even though those numbers are high, most people stay quiet about their anxiety and depression. National Anxiety and Depression Week is a Great Time to Find Help National Anxiety and Depression Week is not only about awareness, but finding sufferers the help they need. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression, take advantage of the week. Many mental health websites that offer free literature and more during National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. The Major Goal of National Anxiety and Depression Week is to Destroy Stigma As stated earlier, many people suffer from anxiety and depression due to the social stigma, despite the fact these illnesses affect a sizable part of the population. One of the major goals of National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week is to create more awareness to help eliminate stigma. When the stigma surrounding these illnesses is gone, you’ll find much more people getting the help they need. Even though thousands of Americans suffer from anxiety and depression, many do not seek the help they need. National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week educates people to let them know they’re not alone, to help stamp out the social stigma surrounding anxiety and depression, and to finally get people the help they need.

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