Medical experts stress listening, advocacy for mental health care

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Valley Baptist Health System recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Those in the psychiatric services say awareness can play a key role in providing support to those who may be struggling with mental health issues.

"We know about mental health and we know what it is, where to go," said Becky Tresnicky, Director of Behavioral Health Services and Performance Excellence at Valley Baptist-Brownsville. "Now, let's do something about it. It doesn't take a clinician, it doesn't take a behavioral health expert, it just takes someone to advocate, to listen, and to treat our behavioral health patients with the respect that they need."

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Tresnicky said the hospital will encourage its employees to evaluate their mental health. It is something they often push to the side while caring for their patients and communities.

Visit Valley Baptist Health System Psychiatric Services for more information.