Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every year during the month of May. This time is dedicated to spreading education, resources, and awareness about mental illnesses and the millions of Americans who struggle every day. This month is also an effort to de-stigmatize and open the conversation surrounding mental health.

According to the Mental Health Foundation:

• 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness
• Almost 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness
• 50% of chronic mental illnesses start before 14
• 75% of chronic mental illnesses start by 24
• Just over 10 million people over the age of 18 have more than 1 addiction or mental health disorder
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide.

Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognized in 1949 by Mental Health America (then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and later National Mental Health Association). Mental Health America was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers in 1909, Beers was one of five children in a family who all battled mental illness. From his experience with his family, Beers discovered the malpractice, inhumane treatment and unfair judgment mental health patients had to deal with. After authoring “A Mind That Found Itself,” Beers received support from medical professionals and went on to start the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. This association was dedicated to advocating for mental health and providing support for those struggling with their mental health.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Anyone can be affected by mental illness. The last few years of living through a pandemic has negatively affected the mental well-being of people all over the world. Remember to take time for yourself to care for your mental health and focus on what you need to feel better. There are endless mental health organizations across the country that provide education, resources, support, contacts, and anything else someone struggling might need. Learn more about mental health resources by visiting the Mental Health Resources page.