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Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma in Our Community

WellnessDecember 10, 20245 min readDr. Ankit Shah

Mental health conditions affect one in five American adults, yet stigma continues to prevent many people from seeking the help they need. In the Bronx, where communities face additional stressors including economic hardship and limited access to mental health services, addressing this stigma is especially important.

At Essen Health Care, we integrate behavioral health services into our primary care settings, making it easier for patients to access mental health support during routine visits. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or a more complex condition, our providers are trained to offer compassionate, evidence-based care.

Common signs that you may benefit from mental health support include persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from activities you once enjoyed, and unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems.

Remember: seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it's an act of courage. Mental health treatment is effective, and most people who receive appropriate care experience significant improvement. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to your Essen Health Care provider. You don't have to face it alone.

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Dr. Ankit Shah

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