NEWARK – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it has been observed each May in the United States since 1949.
It has never been more important than now to recognize that mental health is an essential component to one’s overall health and well-being, and that mental illnesses are common and treatable. May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that mental illnesses are commonplace, with nearly one in five adults in America living with a serious mental illness. One-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14, with three-quarters by the age of 24. An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode. An estimated 31.1% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Approximately 7.9 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.
Supporting mental health and recovery requires community effort. If you are not knowledgeable about mental health or what to do when someone is in crisis, we have some options. Taking classes like “Mental Health First Aid and QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer,” a suicide prevention program, is a good first step. These classes can have a dramatic impact on the lives of those with mental illness. Not only do these classes help answer questions and reduce stigma, they may actually save a life.
If you currently struggle with mental illness, the statistics may seem overwhelming. It is important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive is possible, but it may take time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors you are experiencing and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.
Ultimately, during this month of May, Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties wants to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible.
Emily Morrison
Community Relations Coordinator
Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties
1435 W. Main Street, Suite B
Newark, Ohio 43055
Office: 740-522-1234, ext 28
Cell: 740-504-3598
.webp){kind=tracking}