Mental Health Awareness Month
In 1949, Mental Health America (known at that time as the National Association for Mental Health) first organized a way to raise awareness and erase the stigma attached to mental illness. Every year since, organizations throughout communities come together in May to bring the conversation about mental health to the forefront. This month serves to remind those who may be living with a mental illness in silence that they are not alone, and that there is support for them.
What are common symptoms of a mood disorder or other mental illness? Some symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Insomnia
Agitation
Loss of appetite
Social withdrawal
Emotional numbness
Inability to concentrate
Excessive fear and worry
Self-harm
According to recent estimates, one in four US adults (26%) experience mental illness each year, while other research says that one in twenty live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (13.1 million). Approximately 50% of adults living with a mental illness do not receive treatment.
The stigma surrounding mental health disorders leads to many people hiding their struggles and avoiding getting the help they need. Mental Health Awareness month aims to end that statistic, allowing folks who have previously gone undiagnosed the space and acceptance to seek help or support.
Here are some resources if you are unsure where to start in seeking help:
Nationwide: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP, answering calls 24/7
In Pittsburgh: 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (796-8226) is the Resolve Crisis Center line, answering calls 24/7
As always, Favored Wellness is available to take calls and set up appointments for ongoing care. Call us: 412-339-1782