Mental Health Awareness Month

History of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in the United States in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health (now known as Mental Health America) founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers as a way to bring attention to the importance of mental health. Over the years, Mental Health Awareness Month has evolved and expanded to include a variety of activities and events designed to promote mental health and well-being.

Three Types of Mental Illness

Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect an individual’s thinking, emotions, and behavior. Three common types of mental illness are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders.

Anxiety disorders: These are characterized by excessive fear and worry that can interfere with daily activities. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Mood disorders: These are conditions that affect an individual’s emotional state, such as depression or bipolar disorder. They can cause significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.

Psychotic disorders: These are conditions that cause an individual to experience delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms that can interfere with their perception of reality. Examples include schizophrenia and delusional disorder.

It is important to note that mental illnesses can vary widely in severity and duration, and can affect individuals in different ways. Therefore, two people with TBI’s have a wide variety of similar and dissimilar characteristics.

Participating in Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to promote mental health and well-being. Here are some ideas for participating in Mental Health Awareness Month:

• Share resources

  • Share mental health resources on social media or with friends and family to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

• Participate in events

  • Attend local Mental Health Awareness Month events such as seminars, webinars, and workshops.

• Take care of your own mental health

  • Focus on your own mental health and well-being by practicing self-care activities such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise.

• Educate yourself

  • Learn about mental health conditions and treatments so that you can better understand and support those who may be struggling with mental illness.

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is also an important part of promoting mental health awareness. Here are some suggestions for reducing stigma: 

• Talk openly

  • Share your own experiences with mental health or encourage others to do so to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. This includes speaking with others close to you and your family.

• Avoid labeling

  • Avoid using derogatory or stigmatizing language when discussing mental health issues.

• Educate others

  • Help others understand that mental illness is a real and treatable condition and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Importance of Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month

Promoting mental health awareness has numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole. These benefits include:

• Encouraging individuals to seek help

  • By promoting mental health awareness, individuals are more likely to seek help for mental health issues and receive appropriate treatment.

• Reducing stigma

  • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health can help individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and talking about their experiences.

• Improving overall well-being

  • Promoting mental health awareness can help individuals prioritize their mental health and engage in activities that promote well-being.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Mental Health

A TBI refers to damage to the brain caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head. TBI can have long-term effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. In particular, a TBI can increase the risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is important to promote awareness and support for those with a TBI, as these individuals may require specialized treatment and care. By increasing awareness of the connection between a TBI and mental health, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and ensure that those who have experienced a TBI receive the support and care they need.

Conclusion

In summary, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote understanding and awareness of mental health issues. We all have a brain and they are all unique. By educating ourselves and others, we can reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek assistance when needed. Additionally, it is important to support yourself and those who may be affected by mental health illnesses.

We can all play a role in promoting mental health awareness. Whether it’s sharing resources, participating in events, or prioritizing our own mental health and well-being, there are many ways to get involved. Let’s take action to promote mental health awareness and support those who may be struggling with mental illness. Together, we can create a more supportive and understanding society for individuals living with mental health conditions.

Sources:

Mental Health Awareness Month – May. (2021, September 29). National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/mental-health-awareness-month/