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Despite all the information available about anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health issues, many misconceptions persist.

Mental health misconceptions can be dangerous when they keep people from getting the treatment they need. Let’s talk about mental health issues and learn to separate fact from fiction. What are some common misconceptions about mental health?

Mental health issues are uncommon,

Children who are part of the foster care system in Stark County will eventually reach the age of 18 and age out of the program. Just like anyone else, these young adults may have medical and mental health care needs. But unlike other young people, once they age out of foster care, they no longer have the same financial and emotional backing at home.

Unfortunately, these young people rarely receive the emotional and behavioral health services they need because of a lack of insurance and family support.

More and more people are realizing how important our mental health is to our overall wellbeing. While traditional medical treatments play an integral role in maintaining good mental health, holistic mental health outlets provide a complementary approach. Though not a substitute for professional help, these outlets offer unique strategies to improve your mental and overall health. 

These alternative therapies for mental health range from free,

The UK organization LifeSIGNS started dedicating March 1st as Self Injury Awareness Day in 2002. Now, 20 years later, it is a national awareness day for many countries, including the U.S. Self-injury goes by other names, including self-harm and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and encompasses a large range of actions that one takes to cope with extreme emotion, release tension from these emotions, or take back a perceived loss of control. While teens tend to be the most likely to self-injure,

As the opioid crisis in Northeast Ohio continued to grow, the Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in 2011 to help educate the community and provide necessary resources on opioids. In 2014, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) was created by the Ohio Health Department to bring together educational and naloxone distribution programs during the opioid epidemic. In order to prevent opioid overdose and to further harm reduction strategies, these organizations provide free overdose kits for anyone in Ohio who wants one.

Stark County offers a wealth of employment opportunities across various industries, many of which don’t require any more than a High School Diploma or GED. From manufacturing to healthcare, retail, and tourism, the job market in the area is rich and diverse. In this article, we’ll explore the industries in Stark County and the resources available for a successful job search that doesn’t require a college degree.

Stark County has a deep-rooted history in manufacturing,

While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.

Struggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.

Addiction leaves countless individuals and their loved ones reeling from its devastating impact. As a disease, addiction is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. Beyond the stereotypical images of substance use, addiction can have behavioral and psychological effects.   

If you’re helping someone with addiction issues, the first thing is to know there is always hope and a way forward.   

To provide meaningful help to a loved one struggling with addiction,

Updated 11.2023

For some families struggling with poverty and hunger, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday.  If you are dealing with food insecurity, need help with the expense of purchasing the needed ingredients for a special meal or are struggling with high medical bills, low wages, housing needs or other issues, we have gathered some valuable resources below.

Stark Help Central.com wants to help ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday, especially children.

Bullying among adolescents can take many forms. As children get older, how they bully becomes more sophisticated and harder to identify. In addition to taunting, threats or physical attacks, the rise of social media has introduced another category of bullying – cyberbullying. As teens have more and more access to social media, gaming and the internet, bullies use these platforms to harass and humiliate others. Find programs and resources in Stark County to help support young people who are affected by bullying.

Sometimes you might hear the terms mental wellness or mental health and think they mean the same thing. While they are connected, they actually mean two different things. What the difference?  Mental Wellness is your overall mental wellbeing, and everyone has it! Mental wellness is when people can recognize their abilities, cope with typical stress, work and function well.  In order to be mentally well, we have to take care of our minds just like we do the rest of our body.

Education resources are available to support the behavior, emotional wellbeing and academic performance of children throughout Stark County. Find programs and services dedicated to providing a strong educational foundation for local students of all ages and abilities.

From education and income to physical and emotional health, learn about programs and organizations dedicated to supporting parents in Stark County as they navigate parenthood. Because a strong family foundation can help children succeed at home, in the classroom and in their relationships with others.

Find local resources, organizations and public assistance programs dedicated to making reliable, safe and affordable child care accessible to all families in Stark County. Child care assistance helps to pay a portion of your child care costs, so you can continue to work and support your family.

When it comes to teenage behavior, it can be difficult to distinguish angst and mood swings from deep emotional turmoil. Learn where and how to report a problem if you believe you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness. There are many Stark County organizations dedicated to supporting young people in their journeys toward hope and recovery.

Healthy minds are the building blocks for strong family foundations. For children whose parents are affected with mental health issues, or for children with their own mental health challenges, help is available here in Stark County. Find local child mental health services, resources, organizations and support groups dedicated to lifting up families touched by mental illness.

Addiction is a complex problem. People who struggle with substance use physically and psychologically crave a drug, even when they know the adverse effect it has on their body, their relationships and their community. Stark Help Central is committed to helping young people to overcome their addictions and develop into productive, stable adults. Find local resources dedicated to supporting young people who are affected by substance use.

No matter when it initially takes place, the effects of abuse often extend well into adulthood, significantly impacting a person’s physical and mental health. It is important for those who have struggled or are still dealing with the turmoil of abuse and neglect to get the help they need to move forward in a positive, healing direction. Find resources in Stark County dedicated to lifting up survivors of abuse and neglect.

Any intentional action that causes significant harm to a child is considered abuse. It can come in the form of physical, sexual or emotional damage, and is very rarely an isolated incident. Because child abuse is frequently carried out by a close loved one, it is essential that advocates in a child’s life pay attention and report suspicions. Find local resources dedicated to preventing and treating childhood abuse and neglect.

In Stark County, alongside a plethora of print and digital materials, numerous legal champions stand ready to aid adults navigating the local justice system. These dedicated professionals, ranging from program facilitators to volunteer lawyers, law institutions, bar associations, and community members, generously provide essential legal support to adults in the area. If you require legal aid, seek out individuals, initiatives, and resources available to assist you.

The bond between a child and their father sets an important family foundation. Community agencies all over Stark County work every day to remove barriers and promote more positive father/child relationships. Even if a father is not the custodial parent, they still have rights when it comes to caring for their children. Find information, programs and organizations dedicated to supporting fathers legally, financially and emotionally. Because stronger relationships lead to stronger families.

Although they may not understand or be able to express what’s happened, infants can still be deeply affected by abuse and neglect. This early trauma can hinder a child’s physical, mental and emotional development, compromising their sense of safety and security. To help combat the negative impacts of early childhood abuse, it is important that babies and small children get the early intervention and support they need. Find local child protective services dedicated to survivors of abuse and neglect.

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May in the United States. It’s a time to recognize that our mental health is part of our overall health, fight stigmas surrounding mental health issues, learn about various issues and policies, and more. Whether or not you are personally dealing with a mental health issue or a loved one, it is important to find ways to participate. Below are some tips for Mental Health Awareness Month.