By Alizé Satberry, Marketing & Development Staff Member

What is “Mental Health”?

Mental health is a state of mental well-being which includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

What is “Therapy” and what does it do?

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or usually just “therapy,” i s a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems.

What does Therapy typically look like to those seeking support? What is therapy?

Therapy is:

• A judgment-free and safe space for your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• A place where your experiences are respected and validated.
• Where you can break down your barriers, walls, and fears.
• Effort and work even outside sessions.

Therapy is not:

• A place to be “fixed.” You are not “broken.”
• A place where you have to share everything at once, or at all.
• Going to be intense/heavy every session.
• On a specific timeline.

What is “Stigma” and how does it affect others?

Stigma is a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something or someone such as skin color, cultural background, religion, disability or mental illness. Stigma can often cause harmful and long-lasting effects on those being stigmatized. This may lead to feelings of shame, homelessness, a struggle to reach out for support, struggles with social interaction, and isolation. With these struggles combined, a stigmatized individual may receive fewer employment opportunities than those not affected.

What is the negative stigma surrounding therapy, and how does it affect others?

A common stigma about therapy is that those who seek therapy show weakness or inability to manage their lives. This is particularly prevalent in cultures or environments where resilience and independence are highly valued. The consequences of this kind of harmful stigma can often discourage an individual from reaching out for support. This discouragement and lack of support often worsens an individuals mental health state and can cause further isolation.

How can we help reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support?

Providing a safe space for an individual who may be struggling is a great first step. Offering a judgment-free perspective, an empathetic listening ear, and encouragement can go a long way. Offering help with finding and receiving mental health services also helps normalize seeking such support and end the stigma.

What mental health services are offered here at San Diego Youth Services (SDYS)?

SDYS offers a variety of mental health services, including:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Case Management
• Psychiatric Services/Psychiatric evaluation (medication is only provided in conjunction with psychotherapy)