May is the month that is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness. This is a topic that is dear to my heart. Having experienced Postpartum Depression. Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Bipolar One Disorder, Mental Health Awareness is very important to me. I am not embarrassed or ashamed in any way to share this information about myself. I believe that everyone in life battles something. These disorders do not define me by any means.

A diagnosis is not your identity. It’s just a tool-a way to understand what you’re going through so you can begin to heal, grow, and take back control. You are still you-with your values, your strengths, your dreams, and your voice.

Mental health challenges are part of the story, not the whole story. Its how you choose to take care of yourself that matters.

If you are wondering how you can take care of yourself, it’s called self-care. Self-care is the practice of taking intentional actions to preserve or improve your own health, well-being, and quality of life. It involves activities and habits that support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Self-care is important because it directly impacts your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s why it matters:

• It improves Mental Health.
• Taking time to care for yourself can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
• It gives your mind space to rest, reflect, and recharge, which enhances emotional resilience.
• Boosts Physical Health
• Good self-care often includes sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hygiene, all of which are essential for physical wellness.
• It helps prevent burnout, fatigue, and illness.
• Increases Productivity
• When you’re well-rested and emotionally balanced, you think more clearly, make better decisions, and work more efficiently.
• Breaks and self-nurturing activities can actually increase focus and performance.

• You can set healthier boundaries and communicate more effectively.
• Strengthens Relationships
• When you’re taking care of yourself, you’re more emotionally available and present for others.

• Builds Self-Worth
• Prioritizing your own needs sends a message to yourself that you matter.
• This can lead to increased self-esteem and a more positive self-image.

• Helps You Cope Better
• Life is stressful at times. Self-care builds your capacity to handle challenges without breaking down.

In essence, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for others and engage fully with life.

On another note,

If you are wondering why May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is because Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in May of 1949 in the United States. It was established by Mental Health America (MHA) (formerly the National Association for Mental).

May 1949: The First Mental Health Awareness Month first launched thanks to a man named Clifford W. Beers.

After surviving harsh treatment in mental institutions, Clifford Beers became a powerful advocate for humane mental health care.

Mental Health America (MHA) (formerly the National Association for Mental Health), founded by Clifford W. Beers, launched the first Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 1949. Clifford Whittingham Beers (1876–1943) was a pioneering American mental health advocate and the founder of the modern mental health movement in the United States. His personal experiences with mental illness and institutionalization became the foundation for lifelong reform efforts.

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Why He Matters

Beers was the first prominent figure to publicly speak out about the mistreatment of people with mental illness and to push for mental health care reform, human rights, and awareness—at a time when stigma was extreme.

• His goal was to:
  • Raise awareness about mental health conditions.
  • Educate the public about mental illnesses and available treatments.
  • Reduce stigma around seeking help.

His initiative came shortly after World War II, when returning soldiers were struggling with “shell shock” (now known as PTSD). The need for better mental health care and public understanding was becoming more urgent.

In 1909, he founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, which later became Mental Health America (MHA).

Beers turned personal suffering into a national movement. Furthermore, Beers argued that people with mental illness deserved compassion, medical care, and dignity, not confinement and punishment.

Without him, the progress toward mental health acceptance and treatment would have taken much longer—or looked very different.

So, thank you Mr. Beers. Cheers to you! If you want to read more about him and his life go to, Mental Health America – Our History https://mhanational.org/our-history/ to learn more about him.

If you’re looking for a good mental health facility—whether for yourself or someone else—it’s important to choose one that offers safe, effective, and compassionate care tailored to your specific needs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the right facility:

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✅ 1. Know What You Need

Ask yourself (or a trusted provider):

• Is this for outpatient therapy, an inpatient stay, or a crisis situation?
• Do you need help with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or another issue?
• Are you looking for therapy, medication management, group support, or a combination?

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🔍 2. Do Research

Look for:

• Licensed and accredited facilities (e.g., Joint Commission or CARF accreditation)
• Providers with experience in your specific condition
• Positive reviews or testimonials (on Google, Psychology Today, or Healthgrades)
• A strong continuum of care (evaluation, treatment, aftercare)

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💬 3. Ask Questions

When calling or visiting a facility, ask:

• What services do you offer?
• What types of therapy or treatments are available?
• Is treatment personalized?
• What are the staff qualifications?
• What is the daily structure like (especially for inpatient)?
• Do you accept insurance or offer sliding-scale fees?

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🧠 4. Check Credentials & Licensing

• Make sure the facility and clinicians (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) are licensed in your state.
• Look for specialized certifications (e.g., trauma-informed care, DBT-certified staff, addiction treatment credentials).

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💳 5. Understand Costs & Insurance

• Contact your insurance provider to see what facilities are covered.
• Ask facilities if they work with your insurance and what out-of-pocket costs may be.
• Some nonprofit centers offer free or low-cost services.

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🏥 6. Know the Red Flags

Avoid facilities that:

• Make unrealistic promises (“We cure depression in 7 days!”)
• Have high staff turnover or poor reviews
• Push you into signing up without clear information
• Lack transparency about treatment plans and pricing

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🧩 Bottom Line:

The right facility for you will be:

• Safe
• Supportive
• Tailored to your needs
• Transparent and professional

I have two favorite mental health facilities to recommend.  

The first, my personal favorite facility is BlueSky Behavioral Health, LLC.

https://blueskyrecovery.com/

BlueSky Behavioral Health, LLC is a mental health and substance use treatment center located at 52 Federal Road, Suite 2A, Danbury, CT 06810. They offer personalized outpatient and partial hospitalization programs designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges, including dual diagnoses and personality disorders.

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Treatment Programs & Services

BlueSky provides a range of evidence-based therapies and support services:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A core component of their treatment, DBT includes individual therapy, skills-based group sessions, and weekend-focused groups.
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing both mental health and substance use disorders through integrated therapy, medication management, and life skills coaching. Enhanced Treatment Program (ETP): Offers short-term furnished apartments paired with 24/7 life coaching, focusing on independent living skills and daily support
• Therapies Offered: Includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Art Therapy, and more.

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🏠 Living & Supportive Services

• Life Coaches: Provide 24/7 support, assisting with tasks like bill payments, job searches, and daily life skills.
• Transportation Services: Available for clients to attend therapy sessions, appointments, and essential errands. Holistic Wellness: Incorporates mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and art therapy to promote overall well-being.

If you get a chance check out their website for your review. If you are looking for a facility for a loved one, it’s a great place to take them.

My second favorite place is New Hope Therapeutic Services, where my sister, Emily Docktor practices.

https://www.newhope-therapy.com/

New Hope Therapeutic Services LLC is a mental health counseling provider located in Roxbury, Connecticut.

The practice is led by Victoria Anne Croswell, who serves as the owner and authorized official. New Hope Therapeutic Services LLC is a Medicare-enrolled mental health clinic specializing in clinical social work and professional counseling. The clinic offers services to individuals seeking support for various mental health concerns.

Founder-Victoria Croswell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Victoria is a Boston native and graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Child Psychology in 2014 from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts. She went on to get her Masters in Social Work with a School Licensure at Simmons University of Boston and graduated in 2017.

Victoria moved to Nantucket Island to work as School Social Worker and started her private practice simultaneously. After getting married in 2020, she relocated to Connecticut. Previously Victoria specialized in working with child/adolescent with behavioral/emotional issues, behavior interventions, anxiety, depression, caregiver coaching/training, cognitive behavioral therapy, mentoring, self-regulation, and school issues. Currently she works with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and a wide range of mental health issues.

Her passion is helping people find a sense of HOPE for themselves, their families, and their life. She opened New Hope Therapeutic Services with the intent to partner with like-minded clinicians who share this similar passion of supporting others.

When Victoria is not working, you can find her with family, dogs, and cats. She enjoys hiking, singing, theater, sports, and staying active.

The practice is situated at 26 North Street, Roxbury, CT 06783-9992, and can be contacted at (781) 534-4795. Additionally, the mailing address is 26 North Street #83, Roxbury, CT 06783-9992. Check it out if you get a chance and are looking for a stellar therapist.

I really enjoyed writing this piece on Mental Health Awareness Month, because it gave me the chance to learn more about the history of mental health advocacy, recognize how far we’ve come, and reflect on why continued awareness and compassion are so important. I hope you enjoyed reading this piece on Mental Health Awareness as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you like be sure to comment and subscribe below! Take care of yourself, it’s important! The world needs you!

Love,

Fran Martin xoxoxo