Seeing YOU Through The Storm Breaking down STIGMAs associated with mental illness and substance use Larry Warner – MA, LLP, CAADC, Harbor Hall Petoskey Outpatient Counselor contributed to this article Being constantly bombarded with nano-bytes of information streaming in front of us lures much of our population into believing they're knowledgeable about (__insert subject here__). Sometimes an info-byte is adequate, allowing a person to sound smart in a social situation; however, much of the time, it’s only enough to create or sustain a “stigma.” Merriam-Webster’s full definition of STIGMA talks about burning scars and marks of shame—which speaks more to what the stigmatized feel. Webster's simple definition, in our opinion, more appropriately grasps the concept, which is, “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.” At Harbor Hall, we define STIGMA as Socially Thoughtless Individuals Going-off, Making Assumptions. Recovery starts with Trust. Trust only happens in the absence of assumptions. Trust begins by placing who someone is above what they do or may have done. For many new clients, Harbor Hall is not the first counseling experience, and while they often share that other facilities may have addressed their symptoms, they've repeatedly leftfeeling let down. Being successful in recovery takes more than being dry or clean; it takes feelingvalidated and empowered.It means being seen and accepted as a whole person. At Harbor Hall, our Counselors go beyond helping clients ride out the storm of addiction or mental illness. We call it, "Seeing you through the storm." This approach helps us individualize treatment for each client and helps each client recognize themselves once again. Then, equipped with the tools to be successful, they can find their way through recovery and in society. With confidentiality being at the forefront of every encounter, Harbor Hall offers aid in both residential and outpatient settings. Adult men seeking recovery have the opportunity to enroll in a 28- to 90-day program in our Petoskey, Michigan facility. On-site Withdrawal Management and Transitional Living opportunities are also available in Petoskey. Both our Petoskey and Cheboygan, MI Outpatient locations facilitate programs for male and female adults and adolescents in family, group, individual, and women's wellness environments. Stigmas are not fact. They more accurately represent those that apply them, and sadly are one of the biggest obstacles keeping people that need help from seeking it. Equally important as supporting everyone who walks through our doors, our mission is to help dispel the labels that society has pinned on those struggling with substance use and mental illness. A hint of social awareness about these diseases exists, but it will take everyone's efforts to create a more socially welcoming pathway for those seeking help. If you or a loved one are dealing with challenges stemming from mental illness or if substance use has robbed you or them of the opportunity for peace and happiness, don't let Socially Thoughtless Individuals Going-off, Making Assumptions get in your way. Contact Harbor Hall today. It could be the most important call you ever make.
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