One of the many mental health-focused celebrations taking place in October is National Health Literacy Month. Founded by Helen Osborne, M.Ed., OTR/L, in 1999. During the month of October, organizations, employers, individuals, and families are encouraged to learn more about health information.
Literacy can be defined as “competence or knowledge in a specified area”. Millions of people are not confidently competent in their knowledge of health information, across a broad array of subjects. Signing up for health insurance, finding treatment, working with doctors, understanding benefits, understanding diagnosis, and much more are all important skills adults need in order for their lives and the lives of their families to be healthy. Without knowledge of basic or more complex health information, we are left vulnerable to the authority of others. Though most health professionals in any field are dedicated to the Hippocratic Oath of doing “no harm”, there are, most, unfortunately, many health professionals who do not take the health of their patients seriously. Without competence and confident knowledge, we are at risk for poor treatment, not recognizing warning signs of poor health, and much more.
For 2018, the National Health Literacy Month theme is “Be A Health Literacy Hero”. “It’s about taking action and finding ways to improve health communication,” the awareness month’s website explains. Anyone who strives to help others become more health literate is a Health Literacy Hero.
Heroes Of Trauma Recovery
When we make the radically brave and life-altering decision to seek treatment and recovery for trauma, we become a hero. In fact, we are already heroes for having lived through and survived not just our trauma, but the stress of living with unresolved trauma for many years. Our journey to trauma recovery serves as an example to others that change and healing is possible. More importantly, we have a critically valuable experience to share with others in order to help spread awareness of what trauma is, how trauma can affect our lives, and what we can do to heal from trauma.
If you believe you or someone you love is suffering due to the effects of unresolved trauma, help is available. Our loving and knowledgeable staff is available to help you become more trauma and mental health literate so you can help yourself or someone you love the guidance necessary to find healing.
If you or someone you know has struggled immensely with trauma, help is available. Call The Guest House Ocala today for information on our residential treatment programs for trauma, addiction, and related mental health issues. 1-855-483-7800