There are millions of people suffering from mental health issues. But they’re not aware of their conditions. This is where the efforts of making mental health matter, and known come in. Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated in May since 1949, is an outcome of the efforts to help people suffering from mental health issues worldwide.
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month began to be celebrated in May 1949, when Mental Health America was founded to raise awareness of mental illness.
It also aimed to reduce stigma and encourage support for those suffering from mental health problems. Education, prevention and treatment campaigns are still being conducted in the United States today at healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces and advocacy organizations.
Purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month
The main goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to make the year's emphasis on mental health and psychological well-being a topic of discussion. Mental health issues for years have been confused and surrounded with extreme stigma and people have been dissuaded from taking it to tackle the problem.
The objectives of awareness campaigns are to:
- Provide education to people on mental health disorders
- Provide support for early diagnosis and intervention
- Encourage treatment by professionals
- Avoid labeling therapy or psychiatric treatment as “mental illness”.
- Help professionals and families who are suffering from mental disorders
According to the WHO, nearly a quarter of the world's population suffers from a mental illness. However, most of the people are not provided with the right treatment due to social stigma, financial problems, or a lack of access to healthcare.
Why Early Mental Health Treatment is Important?
The sooner patients turn to mental health support, the more likely they will generate better results and symptoms will not be as severe. Recognizing that there may be emotional and behavioral problems early is very important because then people can be helped before the problems become a crisis.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- About half of all mental health issues occur before the age of 14.
- 75% start under 24 years old
- The treatment is started an average of about 11 years after the onset of symptoms.
This time lapse can worsen symptoms and lead to dangerous behaviors, drug/alcohol abuse, unemployment, relationship problems, self-harm and suicide.
For Whom is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month is for all, because everyone is impacted by mental health; regardless of their age, background or culture.
The campaign has been a priority for:
- Reckless kids
- Overworking professionals
- Parents/carers who are supporting family members
- Older than 65 years and feeling isolated and/or experiencing loss
- Depressed or other mental issues
- Medical professionals or teachers
The objectives of mental health awareness are also beneficial for employers or schools, since protective measures of environments and strengthening emotional help systems can be implemented.
Understanding the Early Indicators of Mental Health Issues
It is important to identify signs early to get treatment on time. Individuals might become aware of mental health issues over time, and many may not be aware they need assistance.
The most common warning indications are:
- Unabated sadness or feelings of hopelessness
- Being anxious and cranky
- Social withdrawal
- A change in sleep and appetite.
- Difficulty with getting energy or feeling tired.
- Can’t concentrate
- Increased substance use
How Can You Support Mental Health Awareness Month
There are many mental health awareness tips that individuals and communities can get involved with during Mental Health Awareness Month:
→ Start Conversations
Open conversations remove mental health stigma, normalize mental health problems and reduce mental health treatment and psychiatric service stigma.
→ Share Educational Resources
Available mental health information on the Internet or through a neighborhood-based organization can be used to educate and inform about the problem.
→ Donation
Donate your time and services to Mental Health Organizations, in the name of the gift of time. Organizations such as NAMI, Mental Health America, and SAMHSA provide information and support on education and educative resources, hotlines, treatment information and services.
→ Practice Self-Care
Physical health is connected to emotional health: spread an emotional "grapevine" connection between physical fitness, mindfulness practices, healthy sleep habits and stress management.
Increasing Focus on Mental Health
A lot more people are worried about mental health in recent years in view of the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout. The pandemic of 2019 was yet another reminder of the importance of mental health and mental health services.
Increased emotional stress and mental health challenges are evident in the nation, as Americans' self-assessment of mental health has significantly declined since 2020.
De-stigmatizing Mental Health
One of the top barriers to mental health care is stigma. Many do not want others to think that they are weak, or discriminatory or criticize them for how they feel when they reveal themselves to others and tell them that they are experiencing emotional difficulties.
The aim of Mental Health Awareness Month is to change the mindset of society related to mental health impairment as a valid health concern and to be addressed and understood with compassion.
Everyone from health companies, schools, workplaces, and everyone in between could be a difference maker by influencing attitudes and fostering empathy in the community.
Mental Health and Everyday Wellness
Mental health goes beyond relationships, jobs and business decisions – it impacts physical health also. Emotional wellness should be applied all the time and certainly not just when a crisis happens.
Some basic routine steps that promote mental health are:
- Eating clean
- Physically fit
- Sleeping properly
- Take meds if needed
- Social connection
- Any treatment and/or counselling as required.
Research shows that, over time, prevention programmes and healthy coping skills show benefits of mental health awareness and can reduce risk, depression and anxiety symptoms and feelings.
Building a Positive Mental Health Environment
Building mental health values involves the cooperation of the family, schools, the health care system, and the workplace. Through empathy, education of emotions and open communication, people can talk freely about mental health problems.
Work-life balance and workplace mental health resources are both methods by which the employer can improve the workplace.
Take the First Step Towards Mental Wellness with Health & Psychiatry!
While mental health professionals can provide tools and support to those seeking to live a healthy life, stress, anxiety, and depression can all be experienced, and it is possible to suffer emotional burnout.
At Health & Psychiatry, Florida-based psychiatric wellness facilities, under the vision of Dr. Dinar Sjana, MD, & Chairman Usman Ezad, people have access to compassionate and individual mental healthcare support, which will help with emotional well-being throughout life.
Let’s celebrate your mental health and wellness awareness this May Mental Health Month! Learn More here!
