Florida’s Managing Entities Encourage Floridians to Seek Help for Overwhelming Stress
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April is National Stress Awareness Month, and the Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) encourages Floridians to address stress they may be experiencing and to tap into available resources to help manage overwhelming stress.
According to the World Health Organization, stress is “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being.” Stress can cause physical and mental problems.
Signs of stress include:
· Anxiety
· Irritability
· Difficulty in Concentration
· Physical ailments, such as headaches, digestive problems and more
“Stress is a natural part of life; however, it can be overwhelming and significantly impact your mental and physical well-being,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of FAME. “Help is available. Regardless of whether you are insured, there are behavioral health resources available to you. You can call 2-1-1 to find resources near you.”
People experiencing suicidal ideation, or thoughts of engaging in suicidal behavior, should immediately seek help by calling or texting 9-8-8.
Florida’s seven local Managing Entities work with a network of over 300 behavioral health care providers who deliver services to over 300,000 of Florida’s most vulnerable residents, including children, expectant mothers, veterans, and the chronically homeless. Behavioral health providers within the network provide, among other services such as crisis stabilization, care coordination, which means that a person’s diverse needs are all coordinated so they can get all of the services and treatment they need in order to live their healthiest lives.
Providers meet patients’ diverse needs with “wraparound services” that not only address mental health issues and substance abuse, but also assist with housing, transportation, and employment. Community boards administer, manage, and ensure accountability of state and federal funds for behavioral health services, keeping oversight and accountability closest to the people they serve.
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About the Florida Association of Managing Entities
The Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) is the statewide organization representing Florida’s seven Managing Entities. FAME’s mission is to advance the behavioral health recovery of individuals and their families in the state of Florida. For more information, visit FLManagingEntities.com.
