Lifestyle June 18, 2018
Taking care of your mental health is important.
Mental Health is important. 1 in 4 adults in the United States are diagnosed with a mental illness/disorder every year. Mental Health America organization as deemed May, Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are five facts about the importance of mental health awareness:
The Mental Health America (MHA) has organized May as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949. Since then, millions of people participate with the organization. In March MHA gives out a toolkit that is used for guidelines and preparation for May. The toolkit includes activities and tips related to their different yearly theme. While MHA works to raise mental health awareness through the spring, Congress has also made strides to increase mental health awareness.
Congress has established the first full week as Mental Health Awareness Week during the month of October, Originally established to recognize the efforts of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) in 1990, it has grew to encompass millions. During this week, organizations and mental health advocacy groups sponsor and host events to promote public education and community outreach about mental illness. Other important campaigns in October to consider are National Depression Screening Day and World Mental Health Day.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a mental illness, you are not alone. According to 2018 statistics, the MHA reports 1 in 5 Americans are dealing with a mental health condition. That equals to about 43 million Americans and 18% of the population. Despite consistent efforts, the mental health of the teens and children is worsening. There’s been an increase from 5.9% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2015.
What’s striking about these numbers is the limited access to mental health care facilities and treatment centers and that there is a shortage of mental health care professionals in the workforce. For example, there is only one mental healthcare professional for every 1,260 people. In fact, MHA states health care providers in the lowest ranked states for mental illness would have to treat six times the amount of those affected by mental illness in the higher ranked states.
Although mental illness treatment is hard to come by, there are still many resources available in order to raise mental health awareness. The NAMI and MHA have a plethora of resources like an advocacy network, a donation page, and a list of mental health awareness events. In fact, NAMI hosts an annual four day convention in order to promote mental health awareness nationally. Apps like TalkSpace, an online and mobile therapy company, are also options for mental health awareness aid.
Here are some inspirational women on Instagram who help promote mental health awareness.
Elyse Fox (@elyse.fox), founded the Sad Girls Club, in order to promote awareness and debunk stigmas. Fox states her purpose is, “removing the negative stigma that surrounds mental health conversations, providing mental health services to girls who don’t have access to therapy and treatment, and creating an ‘in real life’ judgement free community for young women so they know they’re not alone.”
Wellness consultant Alexandra Elle (@alex.elle) is also a woman to pay attention to. She advocates for women struggling with anxiety, like herself. Through daily affirmations, inspirational bracelets, and her hey, girl. podcast, she does much to bring about mental health awareness.
Esme Weijun Wang (@esmewwang) is also a woman who promotes mental health awareness through her struggle with schizoaffective disorder. Her online journal, The Unexpected Shape, encourages others battling with illness to continue their ambitious dreams.
Ultimately, mental health awareness is important and has come a long way to become a mainstream concern. These quick facts can help you or help you help those around you suffering with mental illness.
