Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as “mental health awareness month” in the United States. Though we’ve certainly come a long way since America started this event, there is still much work to be done when it comes to raising awareness about mental health and removing the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.
Today, mental health is more of a crisis in the United States than ever before, with many experts claiming that we are currently in the midst of a mental health epidemic. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 US adults experienced mental illness in 2020, with 1 in 20 adults experiencing severe mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though; Attitudes regarding mental health are slowly changing, and it is more socially acceptable today to discuss mental health issues than at any point in the past. Raising awareness and making people feel comfortable seeking out the help they need remains our most important tool for combating the country’s mental health epidemic – and it’s something that we at St. Jude Labs are proud to promote this mental health awareness month.
Why Awareness Matters
The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that the average delay between the onset of a mental health condition and when a person seeks treatment is eleven years. For any other type of illness, such a delay would be unfathomable. No one would wait eleven years to seek treatment for cancer, or asthma, or any other physical condition. Yet the stigma that continues to surround mental health issues forces most people to wait until they are truly desperate before they are willing to admit that they need help.
In a world where people felt as comfortable visiting their therapist as they do their general practitioner, there would be far fewer suicides and ruined lives. By raising awareness about the importance of mental health, this is the world that we at St. Jude Labs are striving to create.
How to Find Mental Health Help
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other mental health condition, there are plenty of helpful resources available to you. Speaking with your regular physician about your condition is a great first step to take, as your physician will be able to recommend you to a counselor or psychiatrist for further assistance. Scheduling an appointment with a counselor in your area or signing up for online counseling is another great option to consider.
If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis and need help right away, there are several crisis hotlines with counselors available 24/7. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is one such hotline and can be contacted at 1-800-273-8255. For potentially life-threatening emergencies, it is also perfectly acceptable to call 911 and arrange transportation to the nearest hospital.
How to Do Your Part to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Regardless of whether you are among the 1 in 5 Americans who experience mental health issues, you can still do your part to raise awareness and help create a society where people feel comfortable seeking the help they need. Given the prevalence of mental health conditions, it’s almost a certainty that someone in your circle of friends and family is currently dealing with a mental health condition. Be on the lookout for signs of mental health issues among the people that you love, and don’t be afraid to reach out and let them know that you are there for them. By embracing those who are suffering from mental health issues and letting them know that they are not alone, we can all do our part to create a healthier and happier world.
