Behavioral Health Initiative

Behavioral Health has been identified as a top need in our community. Henry County Medical Center, along with 20+ additional community partners, have launched a Behavioral Health Initiative. The goals of this initiative are to provide education and increased access to mental health services. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month activities.

Did you know 1 in every 5 people experience symptoms of mental illness?
That’s about twice the number reported for diabetes. Everyday you are around family, friends, and coworkers that are challenged by mental health issues. For most of them, you have no clue. Mental health problems affect all ages and races and is not limited by level of intelligence or socio-economic background.

Please click the link above and take this quick survey to help us better gauge how we can better serve you.

#SilencetheShameTN Video Series

Click to view more full length videos of Personal Stories.





It is a medical condition, not a character flaw.

The majority of society chooses to keep silent for fear of judgement and loss of credibility.
The silence can be dangerous, because untreated mental illness often has a snowball effect of negativity that can lead to suicide, poverty, or addiction.

As part of this initiative, you have the privilege of getting to know 7 local individuals as they share their personal stories related to mental illness, addiction, and poverty. These brave 7 represent thousands in our service area that deal with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, various addictions and more. We think you will find a connection to each story because so many of us have our own story – whether it be us as individuals or through a close family member or friend.

Follow Henry County Medical Center on social media so you do not miss this video series. Along with the personal stories, we also share various resources available throughout our community that are helpful in addressing a wide variety of challenges. Help is available, but you must be willing to acknowledge your symptoms, put aside the fear of stigma, and seek a professional trained to assist.

The health of our community is our priority. We hope that by shedding light on what behavioral health is and the resources available, we can silence the shame associated with mental health and keep our community growing forward.

You deserve to feel well physically and mentally.
It’s everywhere. It’s serious. It’s time for change.

Signs of Mental Illness or Addiction

“Behavioral health” refers to both psychiatric and substance abuse, and people with these health issues suffer from either or both. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of those with a mental health disorder don’t seek help, typically because of the stigma associated with these issues. If you have a family member or friend who has a behavioral health disorder, you can play an important role by supporting and standing by them throughout their recovery.

Many of the signs of mental illness and substance abuse are the same. They include:

  • Avoiding people and normal activities
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Decreased energy
  • Inability to perform daily tasks
  • Loss of interest in grooming
  • Feeling helpless or numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Fighting with loved ones
  • Experiencing severe mood swings
  • Having persistent thoughts
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Thinking of harming themselves, or others

If a friend or family member is showing signs of mental illness or addiction, you can offer support by:

  • Treating them with respect, compassion, and empathy
  • Reminding them that mental health and abuse problems can be treated
  • Expressing your concern and desire to get them help
  • Offering to help your loved one with everyday tasks
  • Including your loved one in your plans, even if they reject your invitations
  • Educating family members and friends so they understand the facts about mental health problems and do not discriminate
  • Finding out if the person is getting the care that he or she needs and wants—if not, connect him or her to help

Need Help?

Talking to your loved one about behavioral health problems can be difficult. One of the most important ways you can help a loved one is by connecting them to professionals that can help with their treatment and recovery. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources that you can tap into to get your loved one the help they need and visit our Resources & Help page. Click here to download the Henry County Helpful Handbook.