May is Mental Health Month
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is important to to make sure we recognize a difficult truth: Nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition. Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be or feel uncomfortable. When we talk about mental health, we not only reduce the stigma – we make a difference. This month is the time to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways mental illness and addiction can affect us all – patients, providers, families, and our society.
Who is Affected?
Mental illness does not discriminate. The mental health crisis that this country faces affects young people, adults, and people from every culture. According to NAMI (2022), 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illnesses each year. That means that either you or someone that you love has been impacted by mental illness. The statistics also highlight that 1% of adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020. The stigma that surrounds addition and mental illness exist because of myths and stereotypes. At lastly, 50% of all lifetimes mental illnesses begins by the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24. These are the most vulnerable times in young adults’ lives. Despite the alarming statistics, up to 50% of people suffering from a mental illness do not seek support, or even treatment.
The Stigma of Mental Illness
The word “stigma” is defined as ‘a mark of disgrace associated with particular circumstances, quality, or person.’ Is it any wonder then that stigma surrounding mental health disorders leads to many people hiding their struggles and not receiving the help that they deserve? Those suffering with a mental illness is portrayed as violent, dangerous, and unable to control themselves. The reality is that those with mental illness are more likely to be the victims rather than the perpetrators of these negatively portrayed by society. Those with mental health illnesses and addiction are further stigmatized by health insurance companies that either deny them coverage or flag their charts. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking treatment or ending their silence about their condition.
Here are some tips to boost your mental health:
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is important at all stages in life since it determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices in life. Everyone's journey with mental health is unique and different. A person's mental health can change over time depending on many factors, such as stress, physical health conditions, family or relationship conflicts, work or social demands, and finances. Below are some tips to boost your own mental health:
1. Bring Awareness – Join the cause and bring awareness.
2. Break the Mental Health Stigma – Talk about mental illness. Listen, be non-judgmental, ask what -not why, give information – Do not diagnosis.
3. Express gratitude and achievement my wiring in a journal
4. Step outside in nature and talk walk.
5. Nurture the meaningful relationships that you have in your life.
6. Take time to laugh.
7. Work on your strengths
8. Strive for a good night’s sleep.
9. Do your best to make healthy choices.
Remember, it takes bravery, strength, and persistence to reach out for help. There is hope and there is help. Recovery means different things to different individuals, but it is always possible.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call, text, or chat 988
Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or your student health center on campus.
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Written by: Lital Diament, LMFT, MT #56973