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.