Overview of MHAM:

May is the Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is about raising awareness and educating the community about mental illnesses, the reality of living with mental health issues, and to find ways to help condition mental health and wellness. 

Mental Health illnesses are very common whether or not people seek treatment. 60% of adults don’t seek treatment to get the help they need. Mental disorders can lead to disabilities and ill- health around the world, one in five people globally. That’s more than the populations of New York and Florida combined. Most women are most likely to seek help for mental illnesses than men. If your mental health is getting worse, then it is best to aid your mental health instead of letting it get worse. It’s okay to ask for help. 

Depression is twice as likely to occur in people with heart disease compared to the general population. 18% of Americans live with an anxiety disorder and 6.9% suffer from depression. There are a large amount of mental health treatments available, but only two-thirds of people seek help for mental health. According to research, patients are withdrawing from programs. 

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental disorder each year. Younger generations who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other disorders can affect how they respond to their environment and how they respond to what’s happening in their lives. Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 and three-quarters begin by age 24.

Awareness Factors:

• Surround yourself with caring, loving, trusting, valued people
• Being in good physical health, balanced diet, and regular exercise
• Being a part of a family that gets along well
• Having an interest in life and having opportunities to enjoy yourself
• Take part in local/ social activities
• Being hopeful and optimistic
• Accepting them for who they are and respecting what they are good at
• Having a sense of belonging in a family, school, and community
•  feeling of having some control over their own life
• Having the strength to cope when some things go wrong
• Talking to someone who will listen and who you can trust

Published by Anastasia.B