Breaking the Stigma: Why Mental Health Awareness Month is More Important than Ever

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma and raise awareness about mental health issues. Mental illness affects millions of people each year, yet it's still highly stigmatized and misunderstood.??

Mental Health in the U.S.

Mental illness affects one in five Americans, with depression being the most common mental health disorder. However, mental illness is often stigmatized and shrouded in shame despite its prevalence, leading many people to suffer in silence. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation, with increased stress, isolation, and uncertainty contributing to a surge in mental health problems.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promote understanding and compassion. The campaign highlights the importance of early intervention, treatment and encourages individuals to seek help when they need it. Mental Health Awareness Month also provides an opportunity for communities to come together and promote mental wellness through education, advocacy, and support.

More than Enough

This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with their theme "More than Enough seeking to uplift and empower the mental health community by affirming the idea that people are inherently worthy of love and healing regardless of their appearance, circumstances, or abilities — no matter what.

Throughout the month, NAMI will introduce several calls to action about how people can feel empowered, combat stigma, and get involved. Ultimately, the "More than Enough" social media campaign aims to share the message that all people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, deserve support, resources, fulfillment, and a community that cares.

NAMI focuses on combating stigma and promoting mental health as integral to overall well-being. To do this, NAMI says it's crucial to create an environment where individuals feel supported and encouraged to seek help and receive the resources they need to thrive.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness, educate the public, and promote action toward a more compassionate and inclusive society.??

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month and promote mental wellness in your community. You can start by learning more about mental health issues and sharing information with friends and family.?

You can donate to mental health organizations or volunteer to support mental health initiatives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don't be afraid to seek help. Many resources are available, including hotlines, support groups, and mental health professionals. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

?Understanding Mental Illness: Signs, Symptoms, and Where to Get Help

There's no easy test to determine if a person's actions and thoughts are typical behaviors or the result of a mental illness.?

NAMI has some guidance to help recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

Mental illnesses have their unique symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include:

???????????Excessive worrying or fear

???????????Feeling excessively sad or low

???????????Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning

???????????Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable "highs" or feelings of

euphoria

???????????Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger

???????????Avoiding friends and social activities

???????????Difficulties understanding or relating to other people

???????????Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy

???????????Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite

???????????Changes in sex drive

???????????Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations)

???????????Inability to perceive changes in one's feelings, behavior, or personality

(" lack of insight" or anosognosia)

???????????Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs

???????????Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches,

stomach aches, vague and ongoing "aches and pains")

???????????Thinking about suicide

???????????Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress

???????????Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

???????????Mental health conditions can also develop in young children.

Because they are still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and

emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms in

children may include:

???????????Changes in school performance

???????????Excessive worry or anxiety, such as fighting to avoid bed or school

???????????Hyperactive behavior

???????????Frequent nightmares

???????????Frequent disobedience or aggression

???????????Frequent temper tantrums

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Reach Out for Help

Don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an essential first step. Here are some places to get help:

Contact your health insurance, primary care doctor, or state/county mental health authority for more resources.

Contact the NAMI HelpLine to determine what services and supports are available in your community.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.