Mental health awareness month has been observed in the United States since 1949 and was originally commemorated by the Mental Health America Organization. They intended to bring light to the importance of mental health and make sure that mental health patients not only received the right care but also didn’t feel they were alone in their fight against mental diseases.
With nearly 450 million people worldwide currently living with a mental illness, this observance month is more important than ever. We’re joining in on this national movement in hopes to help fight the stigma, provide support, and help educate the public about the significance of mental health and how it affects members of our community.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved in the movement, try starting here:
1. Take care of yourself. Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable, but others not so much. Know that you are not alone in that, and with the right treatment or support, you can take charge of your mental health.
2. Take care of your loved ones. Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they do decide to be treated for a mental health disease.
3. Talk about mental health. One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month, as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment and research on the matter.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, click here for available resources in Monroe County.
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