What will be Mental Health Awareness Month?
It is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since it was first observed in 1949 but it’s never more important than it is today to acknowledge the importance mental health contributes to our overall health and the importance of creating awareness, and helping the people who are in need of treatment.
What exactly is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month was initially initiated through the Mental Health America organization and is observed throughout the month of May. The idea behind it was to create an opportunity to inform people about mental illness to raise awareness of treatments and research, lessen stigma that is of mental illness and celebrate the recovery through mental health issues. Due to the stigma and misconceptions regarding mental health many are left in silence and do not get treatment for their illnesses. Awareness of mental health is a crucial initiative to raise awareness about mental health issues and improve access to health care for those who require it.
What’s the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month?
If or not a person is suffering from a mental health problem, Mental Health Awareness Month can help people understand how mental illness can affect their lives, informs them about the services available, and provides ways to be a champion.
Awareness and education are key ways to eliminate the stigma that is associated to mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month creates an opportunity and a space to begin a discussion. Being open about your mental health issues can help reduce stigma and misperceptions that surround it and help sufferers to seek assistance and locate an advocate.
It’s crucial for family members, caregivers and loved ones to recognize the impact mental health affects daily life. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate people about the challenges of having mental health issues and, while it can cause more stress however it shouldn’t hinder someone from living an enjoyable life. When people are aware of these issues they are able to better assist and assist those who are dealing with the mental health issues.
Mental Health Awareness Month also gives you the opportunity to fundraise through outreach, awareness, and activities. This will, in turn, aid in research, provide treatments and help bring advocates together to create an even brighter and more hopeful future for mental health.
Who will gain most from Mental Health Awareness Month?
Everyone! Nearly one out of five people in US suffers from an illness of the mind. That person, however, has friends, family members, and other people who are affected by their illness even if they do not have a mental health issue themselves. You may be shocked by the high prevalence of mental health disorders for people of all ages across the US:
- 48 million suffer from anxiety disorder
- 21 million suffer from major depression
- 9 million suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
- 7 million suffer from bipolar disorder.
- 3.5 million suffer from borderline personality disorder
- 3 million suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- 1.5 million people suffer from schizophrenia.
Mental Health Awareness Month helps sufferers to overcome stigma and gain an opportunity to receive treatment. It assists their family members, friends and loved ones know their condition and establish support networks. It assists the professionals who treat patients who suffer from a mental illness receive funds for research and treatment to ensure that they are able to provide improve the care we receive for people with mental illness. In a nutshell, we can each benefit by Mental Health Awareness Month.
What can you do to increase awareness about mental health?
There are a variety of ways to raise money or community outreach as well as awareness events throughout Mental Health Awareness Month. Numerous national organizations such as Mental Health America (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) along with the National Institute of Mental Health hold fundraisers and events. NAMIWalks is a major national event where participants gather to walk, raise awareness and raise money. MHA offers a campaign dubbed Tools to Thrive and gives information on mental health problems as well as tools and advice to help people enhance their health. Visit your nearest mental health group to find out what you can do to participate or even volunteer. They might have an awareness or fundraising events also.
If you know someone who is struggling with mental health issues The most effective option is to contact them and begin an exchange. Be aware of the realities of being a person in a state of mental illness and challenge any feelings of shame or judgement you might have. By helping those you love can promote awareness and acceptance.
Newport Hospital will be hosting Newport Hospital will host a virtual discussion on Mental health on May 24. The panel discussion will feature experts with different perspectives on this important debate.
You or someone else you know has an illness or mental health crisis, or requires services for mental health We are here to assist. Learn more about Lifespan Outpatient Psychiatry services.