Mental Health Awareness Month (May, 2022)

Key Facts:

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

• 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition.
  • This means that either you or someone you know has been impacted.
• 1 in every 20 Americans is living with a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Mental Health Awareness Month

This year, Mental Health Awareness Month will amplify the message, “Together for Mental Health.” According to National Today, observing Mental Health Awareness Month means taking care of yourself, taking care of your loved ones, and talking about mental health. The more you talk about it, the more normal the conversation becomes. This can be a challenge due to the stigma mental health carries, but it is important to offer support and encourage your loved ones, and to seek treatment for yourself.

Stigma often exists because of negative stereotypes or myths. For example, some people might believe that treatment does not help. However, mental health conditions such as anxiety are very treatable, but only 36% of people go to get help. Others believe that anxiety just happens, or that it is very uncommon. This, again, is untrue. Anxiety disorder it the most common mental health disorder in the US, and it is caused by several factors such as brain activity to genetics, to life events.

So, reach out if you need help, or be there for someone who needs help. Join District Health Department #10 and NAMI as we promote Mental Health Awareness Month, Together for Mental Health!

If you are in a mental health crisis, there are numerous resources available. Please contact any resource listed below:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line – Call 1-800-273-8255, press 1
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Text “NAMI” to 741741
Mental Health America – Text “MHA” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-8255 (Available 24/7)
For Spanish speakers, call 1-888-628-9454
For Deaf or hard of hearing, dial 771, then 1-800-273-8255

Quick Links

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mental Health America