Mental health awareness month

Mental Health Awareness Month is here. Every May, we raise awareness about the importance of mental health and its impact on your wellbeing.

So what’s the hot topic this year?

We’ve suffered through a pandemic together and are all trying to find our new normal. But sometimes it’s not easy to get to that place. It’s just a fact that most everyone is facing unusual challenges in one way or another right now.

So, this month is about you doing a mental health check-in and knowing that resources and support are available if you need them. First, though, let’s look at some quick facts about mental health:

• 20% of people experience mental health issues in their lifetime.
• Risk factors include trauma, your environment, genetics, and your habits/lifestyle.
• Half of adults with a mental health illness go untreated.
• Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge.  
• Suicide rates have increased by 35% since 1999.

If any of these facts and figures feel personal to you, there is help available. You can start by taking a free screening at mhascreening.org. When you’re done, you’ll be provided with information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health.

If you’re in need of immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800.273.TALK, or text “MHA” to 741.741 to talk to a trained counselor from the Crisis Text Line.

If you don’t personally need help, you can always show support for others who do:

• Help spread the word about Mental Health Awareness Month.
• Share your mental health journey with others who might benefit from your experience.
• Reach out to a friend or family member in need. 

Stay tuned for more information during this important month.