It's Mental Health Awareness Month
Commemorated first in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization, Clifford Whittingham Beers and his professional colleagues focused on mental health issues and awareness. They wanted to find ways to ensure that mental health patients received the proper care and did not feel alone in their fight against mental diseases.
Today, mental health is entering more and more of our daily conversations. However, on average, the delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years. Much longer than many other health conditions. Many people still spend months or years facing mental health challenges before seeking help.
Did you know ...
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.?
About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lives, with symptoms starting by age 24 for most people?
Social, cultural, and historical factors often impact traditionally marginalized communities' mental health. These communities often experience overt racism and bigotry, leading to a more profound mental health burden than others may face?
It's never too early to seek help for your mental health. You would benefit if you made it a priority, no different from your physical health. Yes, the occasional bad day is not uncommon. Still, something's going on when things that used to be easy become a lot more complicated. Instead of focusing on physical symptoms, look to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Do you prefer to be alone most of the time?
Are you quick to anger or lash out?
Have you lost interest in friends/work, hobbies, food, etc.?
Do you have trouble focusing?
Once you recognize you may need help to deal with your mental health concern(s), you should never forget that you are not alone. Accepting and talking about it is an excellent first step. You can seek assistance from a trusted family member or friend or consult a professional (medical doctor or mental health professional). Treatment options and durations vary. You have to find what works best for you, even if it takes a few tries. Don't get discouraged.
Whatever your path to wellness looks like, help is always available. CGC is here for you.
We're your community for Mental Health!
888.686.1991
*sources
https://nationaltoday.com/mental-health-awareness-month/#how-to
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month