Mental Health Awareness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, of the 1 in 5 children in the United States that are diagnosed with mental health disorders, only 21% receive the necessary treatment1. Furthermore, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), states that “each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
WhyCare?
The WhyCare? campaign is an opportunity to share the importance of care in our relationships to others, in mental health treatment and services and in support and education to millions of people, families, caregivers and loved ones affected by mental illness. Demonstrating how and why we care brings more to awareness by showing our actions and connections to others. Care has the power to make a life-changing impact on those affected by mental health conditions
What is Stigma?
People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and even discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult. Stigma is when someone, or you yourself, views you in a negative way because you have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as shame that can be felt as a judgement from someone else or a feeling that is internal, something that confuses feeling bad with being bad.
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well. Learning how to cope with stigma and how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us.
Awareness Messaging and How to Participate
Inspire others to raise awareness and take part in sharing information, resources and support for mental health conditions.
There are many ways to get involved and demonstrate WhyCare? by sharing stories about why you care for others, how support or care from others has affected you, or what it means to have access to care by sharing through text, graphics, video or any other medium. Download graphics, messages, Sentimoji‘s or information to support and help others.
Culled from and for more information, please visit: https://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth