Mental Health Awareness Month
Roots of Mental Health Awareness.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since 1949, and it was started by the Mental Health America organization. This particular month is a time when advocates and activists come together throughout the country with a common goal: to draw attention to mental health issues through education and greater understanding, outreaching to millions of people through media, local events, social media and free screenings. Mental Health conditions ranging from varying degrees of depression, anxiety states, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, mood disorders, attention deficit disorder and psychotic conditions are part of the array of mental health behaviors/disorders that affect approximately one out of five American adults each year. That’s 43.8 million people, or more than 18% of the population. Also, according to the Child Mind Institute, of the 74.5 million children in the United States, an estimated 17.1 million have or have had a psychiatric/mental health disorder. Suicide today in the U.S. takes more lives than car accidents or homicides. And, every day twenty-two veterans, who have bravely served our country, commit suicide. These staggering numbers are more than statistics; they are our friends and neighbors, family members and people we pass each day on the street.
Why might we need such a month?
The National Alliance on Mental Health claims there is a virus spreading across America that may damage and paralyze those affected by mental health conditions. This isn’t a virus that passes in 7-10 days. This virus shames and embarrasses those affected into silence and produces fear that stops them in their tracks from getting help. Unfortunately, in some instances, the virus takes lives. What is this virus? Stigma. Millions of people live in the toxic environment of stigma. This is why we need such a month. National Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that it is time to work together to break through this stigma once and for all. Imagine how it feels to know you need help, yet refuse to seek it because history is sometimes hard to overcome. It’s time to break free now.
How did we get here?
History reveals isolation was the preferred treatment for mental illness beginning in medieval times, making insane asylums widespread by the 17th century. During these early days people with mental health conditions were restrained with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. The medical community and the community at large were far from understanding mental and behavioral issues. Instead, labels, judgment, and fear engulfed those suffering from mental health disorders, growing stigma and its by-products day by day.
Let freedom ring.
In the early 1950s, Mental Health America made calls to asylums throughout the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland, these inhumane restraints were melted and repurposed into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell. This 300-pound bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental health disorders. Today, the Mental Health Bell tolls a tone of hope for those who are affected and vibrates a tone to stimulate our hearts to awaken to mental health awareness.
What is mental health, exactly?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well being. It affects how we think, feel, act and react. It also points to how we handle stress, relate to others, and make life choices. Mental health is crucial at every stage of the life cycle, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood into post retirement age.
So, how do you know the state of your mental health? We all have off days, but there are red-flag symptoms and behaviors that are a call for help.
Signs of compromised mental health:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs to feel better
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Feeling sad and crying and not knowing why
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
What to do.
If you, a family member, friend or co-worker are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, do not hesitate to get help. It’s out there. There are counselors, support groups, medical treatments, holistic treatments, therapies, and disciplines to reduce stress. If you or those in your circle feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, Doctors On Call can help. Give us a call at (330) 386-6339. We are here.
Hotlines for help:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- Teens talk to Teens https://teenlineonline.org/
- Teen Health and Wellness https://teenhealthandwellness.com/static/hotlines
- Veterans Crisis Line https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Depression Hotline https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/depression-hotline/
- Mental Health Hotline https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/depression-hotline/
The good news.
Stigma is 100% curable by changing our perception of mental illness. Compassion, empathy, and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can be part of the cure. There is nothing to fear. Together, we can be the awareness for each other.