Mental Health Awareness Month
important facts
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- One in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year, and only half receive treatment.
- In 2021, one in 10 young people under the age of 18 experienced a mental health condition after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Seven in 10 Americans (72%) agree that people with mental health conditions face discrimination in their daily lives.
- 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
This year, Mental Health Awareness Month reinforces the message of ‘seize the moment’. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the campaign aims to foster open dialogue and foster empathy and understanding. “This campaign also champions the importance of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the habit of taking time to prioritize mental health care, without feeling guilty or ashamed.”
Prejudice often exists through negative stereotypes and myths. For example, some people may believe that treatment is not effective. But while mental health conditions like anxiety are highly treatable, only 36% of people seek help. Others believe that anxiety just happens or that it is very rare. This is also not true. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States and are caused by several factors, including brain activity, genetics, and life events.
So reach out if you need help or be there for someone who needs help. Join District Health Department #10 (DHD #10) and her NAMI in promoting Take The Moment, Mental Health Awareness Month.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many resources available to you. Contact the resources below.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273-8255 or call/text/chat at 988.
- Deaf, hard of hearing, or hard of hearing – Call 988 to make a video call, chat online, or send a text message to 988 (send a message to 988 to start a text conversation).
- For Spanish/para-Spanish – Marche 988 Precione 2 ○ See Español text, AYUDA a 988.
- Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then press 1 or chat live/text 838255.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline – Call 1-800-950-6264, text 62640, or email us at: [email protected].
- Mental Health America – Call or Text 988 or Chat Organization. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
quick links
National Alliance on Mental Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Mental Health
Mental Health America | Mental Health Month