Mental Health Awareness

Mental health issues effect each one of us, every day.  Simple anxiety can escalate and systemic problems like schizophrenia are real illnesses just like a broken bone or cancer. 
 
By becoming aware of mental health issues you can develop a knowledge of the various factors involved in taking care of one's mental health.  Unfortunately there is still a significant stigma attached to mental health issues and diseases.  Awareness campaigns focus on productive discussions and acceptance of the reality of mental illnesses and how we can raise awareness and support those suffering from them.
 
There are a number of ways to get involved in mental health awareness:

• Discuss mental health openly-  Sharing information on social media or through conversations is important. Just be sure the information you are sharing is based on real medical evidence and not common myths or stereotypes. 
• Tools – There are other online blogs, screening tools, and telehealth services that offer anonymity and help others recognize symptoms as needing treatment.  Speaking about it at other wellness-oriented facilities like gyms could provide someone the impetus needed to get help.  Libraries or other public forums offer information about how to access resources in the community.
• Support Advocacy – MHA and NAMI offer help lines and support for mental health issues. Through financial and volunteer efforts you can support these and other programs.  Encourage others to do the same.  Use social media like Facebook and LinkedIn to make others aware of the availability of help and to encourage mental health awareness.
• Be a Friend – If possible, support any of your friends and acquaintances who you believe are having difficulty with mental health issues.  This includes those who are grieving, lonely or feeling lost.  Sometimes a friendly ear is all that is necessary.  Hearing others speak honestly about their problems can help them feel heard and respected.
• Self Care – Take care of your own mental health.  Talk to your psychiatrist or counselor and read about new techniques and programs.  Practice wellness and participate in programs.  Take your mental health as seriously as you do your physical well being.
• Legislative – In Congress there are pending changes to Medicaid and behavioral health funding.  Protecting funding and support for these issues is critical to continued services for many thousands of Americans.  Contact your legislative representatives and let them know how you feel about this problem and how their actions can help reduce the number of people suffering.

 
May is mental health month.  Celebrate it by spreading the word about the services available and how good mental health is important.  Don't restrict your work to a single month.  Continue the fight throughout the year to help others in need.