Mental Health Awareness Month - May 14, 2024

"National Mental Health Month raises awareness of stress, burnout, and trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives.” (AgLearn https://aglearn.usda.gov/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=309)

Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized each year in May, and  various organizations launch campaigns to increase awareness, improve public education, and highlight where to find support. 

Last month, April, was recognized as Stress Awareness Month and we posted an article highlighting symptoms to be aware of; see this page for more information.

In this article, we will highlight some statistics about mental health and link to various resources.

Mental Health Statistics

It’s important to understand that you are not alone in experiences mental health challenges, and that there are resources available to you.

Many people might dismiss their symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma with thoughts like “it’s not that bad”, “Just shake it off”, or “others have it worse”.

Regardless of how others might be feeling, your own mental health is crucial and your symptoms deserve your attention, especially if your symptoms are negatively affecting your ability to function at work or school or in general throughout the day. It’s important to speak up for yourself and others to get the help you need.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
• Only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
• Only 65.4% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2021.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Resources

The National Council of Health and Wellbeing provides these resources:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
• The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ+ young people.
• FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.
• National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.

Try This

Take time our of your day today to rest, breathe, and acknowledge your feelings. It might also be helpful to use a journal to write your thoughts down so you can reflect on them later. 

References:

• Mental Health Awareness Month
• Mental Health Awareness Month 2024
• Take the Moment