When it comes to mental health, things are changing in both bad and good ways. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: mental health challenges are on the rise across the globe.
The good news, though, is that we’re finally starting to break the stigmas around mental health issues and increase the public’s knowledge about them. That means fewer people are suffering in silence, often not even understanding why they feel the way they feel.
If you want to be a part of this positive change, now’s your chance. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month in 2022
This critical time to build awareness has gained traction since its start in 1949. The White House is behind it and several other notable organizations join in honoring the month, including:
- Mental Health America (MHA)
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- The American Hospital Association (AHA)
- The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
- Youth.gov
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Contact (AACAP)
Clearly, Mental Health Awareness Month is no longer a grassroots movement. Across the country, people join together each May to help raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health conditions, the signs to watch for, and the wide range of treatment options available today.
Together for mental health
This year, NAMI’s theme is “Together for Mental Health.” The takeaway here is that while we all need to address mental health on a personal level, it’s also important for us to join with our families, communities, and the entire world to tackle this pressing issue.
The goal is to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and challenges. At the same time, we aim to destigmatize mental health conditions and drive policy and program change so people have easier, more affordable access to mental health care.
Change starts with us
We say it a lot, but we’ll say it again. Mental health challenges are the same as physical health challenges. They’re not the person’s fault, and that individual certainly didn’t choose them. The further we can move from a culture that blames and judges people with mental illnesses, the more people will feel comfortable coming forward and seeking care when they need it.
We’re at a pivotal time. In a 2022 report, MHA said that more than half of American adults living with a mental illness didn’t receive treatment. For more key statistics you can share during Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s the MHA infographic summarizing their findings.
What we can do during Mental Health Awareness Month
Change always starts at a personal level. May is a great reminder to check in with ourselves. How have you been feeling lately? Are you often stressed or fatigued? Do you worry a lot or find yourself losing interest in things you used to enjoy? These are all warning signs that you might be dealing with a mental health challenge.
You can start with self-care and easy mood-boosters. Take some time this month to slow down and listen to what you need. Just like taking care of your physical health, mental health care needs to be a priority for you.
If you’re feeling good, great! You’re in an excellent position to help move change forward this May. NAMI has initiatives you can join to help create better policies at a congressional level.
While federal changes will make a big difference for people who need mental health care, you also don’t need to scale your vision to that level. Think through your social circle. Is there a friend or family member who has seemed down or anxious lately? Reach out and check with them. Social connection plays a big role in mental wellness.
If you want to start your own mental health care during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re here. Contact our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center to explore your therapy options and get the help you need.
