Let’s Talk About Mental Health
May 22, 2024
What is Mental Health Month?
May is known as Mental Health Month and is a time to spread awareness about mental health challenges, as well as advocate for mental well-being. Mental Health Month was originally established by Mental Health America (MHA) where they sought to educate the public, reduce the stigma associated with Mental illness as well as provide support for those suffering.
Mental health conditions can include a wide range of disorders. To name a few, mental health conditions can include substance abuse, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, bipolar, BPD, depression, eating disorders, learning disabilities, OCD, and personality disorder. To read the full list of mental health conditions, visit the list below. All Conditions | (mhanational.org)
According to the MHA organization, nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, while 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life. Furthermore, the overall number of U.S. adults with mental illness is at a shocking 59.3 million (or 23.1%). Mental Health America goes on to record that over 28 million adults with mental illness never received any mental health treatment, and 28.2% of adults with mental illness reported trying to get treatment but could not.
What Can We Do to Help?
There are several ways to advocate and support mental health challenges. Through the MHA website, individuals are able to donate, send advocacy letters, and join an advocacy network to help support mental health. If you are interested, visit the link below!
Get Active | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
As a society, we can educate ourselves on the impact of mental health and share this information with our community. Additionally, supporting mental health organizations and advocating for the promotion of mental health initiatives is a great way to help reduce the stigma and bring awareness to these challenges. We encourage you to check in on family and friends, as well as be a helping hand in our communities.
Let’s support one another on the journey to well-being, Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!