May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Affects Everyone.

Mental Health is an increasingly important and prevalent topic amongst medical communities and the general public. For a long time, there has been a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health issues. While this hasn’t been completely irradicated, as time goes on, we are making strides towards completely normalizing these conversations and issues.

Mental health affects each of us in various ways. There are no boundaries for demographics when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship with your mental health. Even if you may not feel as though you’re experiencing any issues regarding your mental health, someone you love might be.

It has been recorded that around 57.8 million adult aged Americans are living with at least one mental illness diagnosis. There are various types of mental illness that range in severity, and commonality, but each of them is entirely valid.

About 31.1% of adults in the United States will, or have had, an experience with some kind of anxiety disorder in their lives. This number could be higher because so many Americans still treat mental illness/health as a secret. If you’re experiencing any kind of mental health crisis it’s important to know that you are not alone. 

Reach Out for Help.

It’s important to acknowledge your mental health and address any concerns you may have. If you feel as though you might benefit from a discussion with your doctor regarding your mental health don’t be afraid to do so. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

There are a variety of treatment options, but the best way to start is by speaking to your doctor.

There are also several hotlines that you could call if you ever need help urgently.

•    Mental Health Emergency Hotline: 988
•   Teen & Young Adult Helpline: 1 (800) 950-6264
•   National Alliance on Mental Illness 1 (800) 950-NAMI

For other resources visit: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call. Text. Chat. (988lifeline.org)

*All the information found in this article can be found on the National Institute of Mental Health website. More information on mental health and mental illness can also be found on their website: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses (nih.gov)