Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

Earlier this month, The President proclaimed May MentalHealth Awareness Month! About 60 million Americans are dealing with Mental Illness. Per the President’s statement 1 in 5 adults will experience mental illness over the course of a year yet less than half will seek treatment. While the administration is seeking to approach this from the side of accessibility, there is definitely more to the equation than simply supply and demand. With the help of organizations such as The Department of Health and Human Services and MentalHealth America, significant strides have been made in recent years however the stigma remains rigid. 

Most people don’t even think twice about seeking medical treatment for a physical injury such as a broken arm, yet how many second guesses do people have when it comes to seeking help for their mental wellbeing. Mental Illness is most likely to develop between the ages of 18 and 24 (typical age group for college students), yet universities report that only 1/3 of students will seek counseling when needed.  Stigmas develop from many different angles – they create feelings of shame and isolation but are maintained with misinformation, fear, and cultural biases. 

We’re all on information overload yet we have to be selective about what information we take as fact. While you can’t change the stigma of those around you, you can question your own biases. Is there a more personal reason, an internal belief as to why you may be hesitant about seeking support? Maybe your biases have nothing to do with mental health, yet we all have them. Where do you get your information from, are your sources credible?

2007 data on mental health perceptions concluded that

·       57% of adults without mental health symptoms believed that people are caring and sympathetic to persons with mental illness.⁵

·       Only 25% of adults with mental health symptoms believed that people are caring and sympathetic to persons with mental illness. 

There is still room for a lot of improvement but that isn’t to say we haven’t had major successes. Progress doesn’t have to be fast – as long as its progress in the right direction! Consider getting involved in your community, find ways to support those who may be suffering in silence. Let them know they are not alone help is available

Until Next Time ~ Be Well