May is Mental Health Awareness Month
During the month of May, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources. On this page, we will highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions.
During the month of May we ask you to take action for yourself and take action for all. Join us in wearing green all month to bring awareness to Mental Health for all. These are some easy steps you can take this month:
Take Action for Yourself:
- Seek support (This can be through a family member or friend or through counseling. Don’t know where to start? Start here: DECISION MAP: WHERE TO GO)
- Set boundaries (There is nothing wrong with saying “no” or stepping back from things to prioritize yourself and your mental health. Healthy relationships start with healthy boundaries)
- Practice self-care (Take time for you, schedule a spa day, relax or spend time with family & friends.)
Take Action for All:
- Mental health is personal yes, but it has also become a movement by many to spread awareness and educate others.
- You don’t have to be a mental health expert to make a difference. Starting a conversation about mental health, supporting a friend, participating in Mental Health Awareness month and sharing resources makes a difference. Together we can break the stigma!
- If you see something, say something. If you have a family member, co-worker or friend that may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Talk to them and offer your support or you can call ortext 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
OTO Safe Space Videos
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Children and Teen Mental Health
Suicide & Addiction Mental Health
Men’s Mental Health
Menopause & Mental Health
Mental Health Facts:
Impact of Mental Health Disorders
Most mental health challenges or disorders can come with distress and even physical pain. This can lead to a person’s ability to work, form relationships, and even the use of drugs and alcohol. This can be disruptive for the family as well. These things can still happen even when the disorder is being treated.
Mental health challenges and disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada. (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2017.) They account for 25% of years of life lost or even early death (U.S. Burden of Disease Collaborators, 2013.)
Mental Health and behavioral disorders are the second most debilitating illnesses only behind cardiovascular illness, which is the most debilitating. That being said, spreading awareness and educating others about mental health can help with earlier diagnosis and treatment. Talking about it is not bad, it doesn’t mean because a person faces a mental health challenge that they are bad or beyond help. Help us break the stigma. Let’s talk about it.
Resources
https://namipiedmont.org/
https://mhanational.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
“Remember, you are not alone.”