The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

 

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

Why do we need Mental Health Awareness Month? 

It's May, also known as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health awareness is steadily increasing around the world, but it still falls far short of what it should and can be achieved. Often, treatment for mental illness is seen as "embarrassing," and people rarely want others to know what's going on. Ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away – on the contrary, it makes it worse.

 

Why is mental health awareness important? 

 

According to the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum, mental illness is the greatest economic burden the world bears today. Only about half of people with mental illness in developed countries receive help when they need it, while in developing countries 90% do not receive any form of treatment. The stigma of mental illness and the lack of mental health awareness exacerbate existing mental health problems. 

 

With increasing awareness of mental health, there are more people in need of support and care. Currently, public opinion on mental health issues negatively affects those who treat them, but the public has the power to have a positive impact. When people are educated about mental illnesses, their effects, and their frequency, it lessens the bad reputation they have. Mental health is just as important as physical health, in some respects, it is more important because you cannot maintain physical health without a healthy mental capacity. 

 

 Effects of mental health 

 

Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. You can rarely have one without the other, they are mutually exclusive. Especially for children, mental health determines how you get through the world. It affects the way we think, act, and sense the world around us. If a child has a mental health problem that goes untreated, it can shape how that child lives the rest of their life. A person's mental health determines whether they will live a healthy or unhealthy life.

When is Mental Health Awareness Month? 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Although it was first recognized in 1949, never before has the recognition of the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and the importance of raising awareness and helping those in need. People who need to be treated are more suitable now. 

 

What is Mental Health Awareness Month? 

 Mental Health Awareness Month was created by  Mental Health America and was recognized in May. It was created as a way to educate the public about mental illness, raise awareness about research and treatment, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. Due to misunderstandings and stigma encompassing mental health issues, people often suffer in silence and do not seek treatment. Mental health awareness is an important initiative to increase understanding of mental health issues and increase access to health care for those in need. 

 

 Why is  Mental Health Awareness Month important?

 Whether someone has an individual mental health problem or not, Mental Health Awareness Month helps people recognize the impact of mental illness on their lives, educates people about existing services, and highlights the means of advocacy.

 

Recognition and education are necessary practices to release the stigma associated with mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month forms the time and distance to begin a discussion. Talking openly about mental health can reduce misconceptions and stigmas, and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and seek out a support network. 

 

 Carers, friends, and loved ones need to understand the impact of mental health on daily life. Mental Health Awareness Month provides knowledge about the realities of living with mental health problems – although it can make life more difficult, it doesn't have to stop anyone it's a full life. When people are better informed about these conditions, they can better support and help those struggling with mental health problems. 

 Mental Health Awareness Month also provides opportunities to organize fundraising, awareness-raising, and awareness-raising events. In turn, this can assist support studies, funding treatment chances, and connecting advocates to develop a better, brighter future for mental health care.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: WHO CAN BENEFIT AND HOW TO RAISE AWARENESS

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May in the United States to raise awareness about mental health conditions and reduce the stigma associated with them. In this article, we will discuss who can benefit from Mental Health Awareness Month and what you can do to raise awareness.

The short answer is everyone! Mental health conditions affect nearly one in five adults in the US. However, it's not just the individuals with mental health conditions who can benefit from Mental Health Awareness Month. It's their families, friends, and loved ones as well. It's the people who may not suffer from a mental health condition themselves but whose lives are touched by someone who does.

who can benefit from mental health awareness month?

To put items into viewpoint, here are some statistics:

• 48 million people have an anxiety disorder
• 21 million people have major depression
• 9 million people have post-traumatic stress disorder
• 7 million people have bipolar disorder
• 3.5 million people have a borderline personality disorder
• 3 million people have obsessive-compulsive disorder
• 1.5 million people have schizophrenia

Mental Health Awareness Month helps people with mental health conditions overpower the stigma and gain access to cures. It helps their loved ones and supports networks to better understand their condition and connect with resources. 

It also helps providers who treat individuals with mental health conditions to receive funding for their research and treatment so they can provide better care. In short, Mental Health Awareness Month is beneficial for everyone.

How to raise awareness for mental health?

There are many ways to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some recommendations:

• Attend Events: National organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the National Institute of Mental Health hold events and fundraisers during Mental Health Awareness Month. Consider attending or volunteering for an event in your community.

• Fundraise: NAMIWalks is a national event where people come together to walk, promote awareness, and raise funds. You can create a fundraising page and get your family and friends to donate.

• Spread the Word: Share information and resources on social media. MHA has a campaign called Tools 2 Thrive that gives education on mental health disorders as well as tools and advice to help people improve their mental health. You can also contact your local mental health organization to see how you can get involved or volunteer.

• Start a Conversation: If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, reach out and start a conversation. Educate yourself on the realities of living with mental health difficulties and tackle any stigma or judgment you may experience. Simply helping those in your life can help to apply the message of awareness and approval.

• Attend Community Discussions: Many communities hold discussions about mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Newport Hospital, for example, will conduct a virtual community forum about mental health on Tuesday, May 24. The panelists will present diverse viewpoints on this important issue.