Mental Health Awareness Month
One of the major reasons we acknowledge May as Mental Health Awareness Month is to bring attention to the commonalities we may experience in regard to our mental health. By talking about mental health issues and recognizing the role they play, this helps us end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Our emotional and mental well-being can significantly impact us on a physical level as well. In fact, physical symptoms may be more prevalent before we acknowledge we may be struggling emotionally.
Statistics and Factors
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America, 1 in 5 people in America live with mental illness. The most frequently occurring include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Regardless of an official diagnosis, everyone experiences challenges that can impact our mental health in some way. There are a number of factors that can affect us, including, but not limited to the following:
• Life Transitions
• Family Dynamics
• Physical Activity and Diet
• Chronic Pain/Health Issues
• Trauma
• Social Support
• Socioeconomic factors (income, education, safety, etc.)
• Available Coping Skills
• Prolonged Stress
• Neglect
• Social Isolation
• Environmental Factors
• Hormones
• Cultural Expectations
• Sleep
• Genetics
• Grief and Loss
• Relationships
• Identity and Self-Esteem
• Abuse
• Alcohol and Substance Use
• Discrimination and Stigma
Why does highlighting this matter? A. it brings awareness to the number of factors that can impact our well-being on a regular basis, and B. this awareness helps us understand just how common (and normal!) mental health issues are.
Resources
If this feels overwhelming and you’re not sure where to start, Mental Health America offers free 5-minute assessments to help you explore where you may be needing a little extra help. The link below also includes worksheets and resources to help cope with existing challenges. Remember, a quick online test is not a diagnosis, but it could you give you the tools to develop a path forward.
https://www.mhanational.org/self-help-tools
If you believe you are in crisis, you can call 988 and speak to someone any time of day in either English or Spanish.
As always, the counselors at Charlotte Judd’s Practice are here to help you work through any challenges you may be facing. Mental health IS health and deserves to be prioritized. You matter, your mental health matters, and you are worthy of care on all levels.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
https://www.mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts
https://www.nami.org/mhstats
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month