What is Mental Health Month?
Mental health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing. However, it can be a challenge to talk about mental health issues in an open and honest way.
In an effort to help people overcome stigmas and misconceptions about mental health, organizations across the world organize annual campaigns. One of these is mental health awareness month, which is observed each May in the United States.
Mental Health Awareness Month
What is Mental Health Month?
Mental health awareness month is an important time to discuss the importance of taking care of your mental health. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about prevention and treatment methods.
Millions of Americans have a mental illness, and they can get help for their conditions to feel better. It’s an issue that affects us all and deserves more recognition, education and advocacy.
The stigma around mental illness often leads to people feeling ashamed, afraid and unsure about how to deal with it. But there’s a lot to be said for being honest and open about your struggles.
During mental health awareness month, organizations across the nation are working to bring dignity to those with mental illnesses that are usually cast in shadow. This year’s theme is “Together for Mental Health.”
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an annual event celebrated in over 100 countries. It promotes mental health awareness and supports individuals who suffer from a range of mental illnesses.
Founded in 1992, World Mental Health Day is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global mental health organization with members in over 150 nations. This holiday was created to help expand knowledge about mental health and to advocate against social stigmas associated with mental health issues.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority”. It aims to highlight the growing challenges faced by people with mental health conditions around the world, including those living in low and middle-income countries.
To mark the day, consider checking in with a friend or family member who may be struggling. You can text them or call to see how they are. This will show you care and are available to support them in any way possible.
National Depression Screening Day
Like screenings for cancer, diabetes and other diseases, depression screenings should be a regular part of health care.
Yet, clinical depression afflicts millions of Americans every year and is often undiagnosed. And, as with these other illnesses, depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions, which makes it important to get screened for it.
Mental health advocacy organizations and healthcare centers use National Depression Screening Day to increase awareness about depression, screen people for it, and connect them with resources they need.
Depression is the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million Americans. It can cause people to feel down and depressed and can negatively affect work and social relationships.
Mental Health Screening Month
Mental health screenings are important for everyone. They are a standard set of questions that help you and your doctor check for signs of mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and substance use.
These tests can also be helpful for pregnant and postpartum women who may experience perinatal mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
During Mental Health Screening Month, it is more important than ever for all adults to get screened for mental disorders and educated on the treatment options that are available. This is because untreated mental illnesses such as depression can increase your risk of developing physical health problems.
While many people choose to focus on their physical health, mental health is just as important for holistic wellness. With proper treatment, most people can recover completely. It’s never too late to seek help.
