{"id":3072,"date":"2021-05-03T15:20:10","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T22:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside.com\/?p=3072"},"modified":"2022-07-20T14:09:33","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T21:09:33","slug":"mental-health-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside.com\/blog\/mental-health-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health Awareness Month: What to know & how to get involved"},"content":{"rendered":"

In March 2020, our lives were upended by a pandemic. Over a year later, we are still feeling the effects of COVID\u2014not just in our everyday lives, but in our mental wellbeing. If the past year has taught us anything, it\u2019s that we cannot take our health for granted, and that includes our mental health.\u00a0May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, we need to open up the conversations surrounding mental health to break the stigma. Let\u2019s explore the history of Mental Health Awareness Month, the purpose of the month, and how you can get involved in supporting the cause.<\/p>\n

The Statistics<\/h4>\n

Mental illness is not uncommon. In fact, anxiety disorders<\/a> are the most common mental health condition in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults every year\u2014that\u2019s 18.1% of the population.<\/p>\n

An estimated 17.3 million adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one depressive episode. Additionally, the prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode is the highest among people aged 18\u201325.<\/p>\n

Anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with depression, and nearly half of people diagnosed with depression also live with an anxiety disorder.<\/p>\n

Anxiety and depression are highly treatable conditions, yet only about 37% of people suffering receive treatment. This is due to a variety of factors, including social stigma, shame and embarrassment, and accessibility and affordability of treatment.<\/p>\n

The Purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month<\/h4>\n

Started in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to bring awareness to mental health and mental illness. All throughout the month of May, mental health organizations join forces to shine a spotlight on mental health and fight the stigma associated with mental illness.<\/p>\n

One in five people will experience some form of mental illness over the course of their lifetime. Even if you don\u2019t experience mental illness, you will still face challenges that impact your mental health and wellbeing, or someone you love will experience it.<\/p>\n

Each year, we come together during this month to provide support for people living with mental illness and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. We also use this time to encourage those struggling with their mental health to seek help. Help is available and there is no shame in reaching out for support.<\/p>\n

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Want to speak 1:1 with an expert about your anxiety & depression?<\/p>\n <\/div> \n

\n Start with a free assessment<\/a>\n \"brightside\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/div>\n

How You Can Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month<\/h4>\n

From sharing your own experience with mental illness, to providing resources and giving back, there is no shortage of ways you can get involved this month.<\/p>\n

Share Your Story<\/h5>\n

Speaking about your experience with mental illness is an important and impactful way to break the stigma. Open up to friends, family, and loved ones about your own mental health journey. When you speak openly and candidly about mental health, you give others the courage to do the same. Most importantly, by sharing our own experiences, we can begin to normalize conversations about mental health and mental illness.<\/p>\n

Share Mental Health Resources<\/h5>\n

Use your platform to share mental health resources with those who may need them. Social media is a powerful tool to connect people, and you never know who your posts may affect.<\/p>\n

Feel free to share the following mental health resources with your own network:<\/p>\n