Mental Health Awareness Month

By Melissa Parmer, RN, CCM, MBA

While every day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of mental health, May is Mental Health Awareness month. Approximately one fifth of US adults experience symptoms of a mental illness in a given year, and approximately one in five youth experience a severe mental disorder at some point in their life. In total, this means about 9.8 million adults in the US experience a serious mental illness that interferes with at least one major life activity.

Mental Health America (MHA) and affiliates have led this May initiative since 1949 by reaching out to millions of people across the nation. Through media and events, MHA and others spread awareness about treating mental health as critical to the health of the whole body.

Quick Tips

The 2018 theme is Fitness #4MindBody. The emphasis is that mental health is as important as cardiac, liver or renal health.

• Eat healthy foods to maintain a healthy mind.
• Watch your stress level at work and take time to de-stress.
• Exercise to the extent that you can safely. Yoga is a great way to stretch and be mindful.
• Look for education, screenings and local events in your area.

History

Founded in 1909, Mental Health America is the national’s leading non-profit, community-based resource. MHA is dedicated promoting overall mental healthcare for all Americans as well as addressing the need of persons living with mental illness. Following MHA’s advocacy, the National Mental Health Act was passed in 1946 and led to the creation of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Mental Health Month in May has been recognized since 1949.

With affiliates located across the nation, MHA supports at-risk and diagnosed people with screening, prevention and interventional services. Rounded out with integrated care and treatment, patients aim for complete recovery. MHA is also focused on treatment and intervention before the patient reaches “Stage4,” a critical point in the illness process. While not intended to take the place of a licensed professional healthcare provider, both the NIMH and MHA provide an abundance of online resources. Patients and families can find information about screenings, conditions, treatments, including both traditional or online therapy. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides supportive resources for a variety of populations, some with already-existing conditions or specific needs. Find information to help yourself or another person, including information for help during a mental health crisis.

While healing and recovering, make use of tools focused on care and wellness, which can provide a feeling of empowerment and may prevent a condition from worsening or relapsing. Patients and caregivers may find help by reaching out to recovery assistance programs, NAMI affiliate or MHA affiliate.

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