MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Mental Health is the focus at SPS in May 2019. Observed nationally since 1949, the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month has been to increase education and awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
As the topic of mental health has come out of the shadows over the last few decades, national agencies such as NAMI, Mental Health America, and other affiliates have worked tirelessly over the years to raise awareness and shed light on the enormity of the problem. For example, approximately one in five adults in the United States, 43.8 million, or 18.5%, experiences a mental illness in a given year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the second most common cause of death in teenagers and young adults age 15 to 29. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate by 2020 that depression will be the second most common cause of disability in the world, closely following heart disease.
Please join us in addressing mental health concerns across the nation and learn more about how you can contribute to the conversation on mental illness and public health.
%20co.jpg)
WHY CARE?
During the month of May NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will launch the WhyCare? awareness campaign for Mental Health Month. The campaign emphasizes how the “power of caring” can make a life-changing impact on the more than 40 million people in the U.S. who face the day-to-day reality of having a mental health condition. The campaign is focused on increasing education, resources, and access to care.
Central to the campaign is encouraging others to learn the facts about mental illness. NAMI’s goal is to bring mental health education to all corners of our communities. With education, people can identify warning signs of mental health conditions and help someone who may be struggling – NAMI – April 30th, 2019
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join the conversation at:
FIGHT THE STIGMA
CHILDREN & TEENS
Identify the warning signs of mental health issues in children and teens and what parents can do to help
MENTAL ILLNESS KNOWS NO CULTURAL BOUNDARIES
Mental health affects everyone regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation
#4MIND4BODY
This year marks Mental Health America’ s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Month! In 2019 they are focusing on the theme of “#4Mind4Body.” This organization aims to bring our attention to the ways in which we can promote mental health in the population. They are exploring the topics of animal companionship (including pets and support animals), spirituality, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.
Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. The organization is driven by their commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Awareness Topics for 2019
