May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding and shedding light on the facts around mental health. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health challenges or looking for new ways to support others, we want to empower you to take action!
With the multitude of adversities we’ve all faced in recent years — from a pandemic to global conflicts, rising inflation, and the financial strain many families are enduring — perhaps dedicating just one month to mental health will barely get us to scratch the surface of our worries.
But we need to start somewhere! And that is precisely Mental Health America’s motto for 2024, “Where to Start?”. While it’s true that talking about mental health is much easier today, it’s also true that the constant and rapid changes happening around us make it harder to recognize the impact on our mental well-being.
In a constantly changing world, it can feel overwhelming to stop and think about how all these different pressures of work, relationships, and what’s happening in the world are impacting our daily lives.
As we celebrate this Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s inspire conversations based on facts, break down misconceptions, and encourage empathy and support. Our actions, no matter how small, contribute to collectively creating a more compassionate and supportive experience for everyone.
What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Month was founded in 1949 by Mental Health America as a way to educate the public about mental health and mental health conditions, reduce the stigma, and celebrate a commitment to mental health and well-being.
Every year, millions of people come together through media, events, resources, and the color green — which symbolizes mental health awareness — to advocate for this mission and raise support.
Each initiative creates a new opportunity to start up a conversation about mental health, debunk misconceptions and stigmas, and encourage people to openly talk about their issues and seek support.
Why Is Mental Health Awareness Month Important?
Despite significant progress in recent years, many of us still grapple with shame, fear, and discrimination when it comes to dealing with mental health conditions.
We worry about what others will think of us: Will I miss out on job opportunities? Will my friends and family pity me or think less of me? How will this affect my love life? All these pile on, leading us to keep our concerns to ourselves and avoid asking for help.
By dedicating a month on our calendars to highlight these issues, we help break down barriers, cultivate open dialogue, and create a more supportive environment for people to feel comfortable seeking treatment.
5 Facts to Help You Raise Awareness for Mental Health
1. Mental health affects everyone
Mental health knows no boundaries — it impacts individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. In fact, studies show that about half the people in the US will experience a mental health condition over the course of their lives, in most cases with symptoms starting as early as the age of 14.
More than 1 in 5 Americans live with a diagnosable mental health disorder. This means that even if you’re not struggling with a condition yourself, you probably have a friend, a family member, or someone close to you who is.
2. Our mental health can affect our physical health
Our mental and physical health are deeply intertwined, each mutually impacting the other. Research tells us that mental illness puts people at a higher risk of serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
Moreover, recent studies found that people suffering from a range of conditions — particularly depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety — carry markers that indicate an acceleration of their biological aging.
But wait, there’s good news too! This connection works the other way around. This means that maintaining a positive psychological well-being can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Mental health stigma is still very much alive
Yes, we’ve come a long way, but that doesn’t mean that is all behind us. Unfortunately, more than half the people who struggle with mental illness don’t receive treatment. In total, more people don’t get the help they need than those who do.
While we know these can happen for a number of reasons, such as lack of access, cost, and insurance coverage, much of it still has to do with the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health. That is why, many of us, avoid or delay taking that first step to meet a therapist or even talk with the people in our lives about our struggles.
4. Support can come in many forms
Surrounding yourself with people who support your mental and emotional well-being can make all the difference. Sometimes, a genuine act of kindness, a listening ear, or a reassuring presence can go a long way.
There are many places where you can seek support, not only by opening up to your loved ones, but also by seeking out support groups, group therapy, and community spaces near you. Therapy can be instrumental in your journey, providing a safe space for healing focused on your unique needs.
5. You can make a difference
With everything that is happening around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or hopeless, but no matter how small your actions may seem to you they can impact others — for better or for worse. So, what can you do? Educate yourself about the reality of living with mental illness, confront your own feelings of stigma and judgment, and help spread awareness and acceptance.
You can also get involved in events and fundraisers in your community or make a donation. Check out all the ways you can contribute to the Mental Health Association of Maryland page and light up green this month!
Find Support for Mental Health Issues in Baltimore, MD
Do you feel like your mental health is hanging by a thread but find yourself unsure about seeking help? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of scheduling your first appointment?
We understand how daunting it can feel to reach out. But we’re already looking for resources, and that’s plenty! Just know that you don’t need to navigate this path alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Baltimore therapists are ready to work with you to overcome the challenges you’ve been facing and move toward a happier and healthier life. Talk to us or schedule a free 15-minute consultation!
About the Author:
