Erasing the stigma around mental health concerns is one of the most important things we can do to help those struggling with mental health disorders. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Fighting misconceptions while increasing support for people with mental illness and their families is an integral part of that celebration. If you’d like to know more about what happens at a mental health treatment center, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: The 2022 Theme Is “Together for Mental Health”
The National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) wants everyone who has been affected by mental illness to raise their voices together and advocate for better access to care. The organization has invited clients and family members to share personal stories, videos, and more through NAMI’s blog, which you can find on the organization’s website.
Why Is May Mental Health Awareness Month? Here’s Some History
The founding of Mental Health Awareness Month is credited to Clifford Whittingham Beers. It was first celebrated in 1949 with the support of Beers and his organization, then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now the National Association for Mental Illness).
The man was deeply affected by mental illness himself. Born in 1876 as one of five children who all had mental illnesses, Beers discovered first-hand that clients in mental institutions were treated poorly and not offered any real help for their conditions.
With the support of colleagues, Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene to revolutionize the way people perceived and treated mental health.
Why is May Mental Health Awareness Month? Beers organized his first awareness event in May. Each year, a new theme is selected to highlight the ongoing struggle to provide access to care and protect the civil rights of people with mental health disorders.
How to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month
You can find a list of national events on the NAMI website. There are many opportunities to advocate and share your story as a person living with mental illness or as the loved one of a person living with mental illness.
There are also opportunities for you to celebrate politically, such as joining a letter-writing campaign to your Congressional representative. You’ll find dozens of ways to show your support and take part in this month when you visit the NAMI website.
Below are three ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month wherever you are.
Take Care of Yourself
Don’t suffer in silence if you are experiencing mental health concerns. Practice self-care by:
- Taking time to focus on your own needs
- Asking others for help when you need it
- Trying to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Working with a professional
The world needs your strength and your compassion. Be a role model for others by finding the help and support you need.
Take Care of Others
Check on your friends, both those you think are fragile and the ones who are strong. Life has been difficult for everyone over the last two years, and people are suffering in various ways. Support and encourage anyone you know who needs the extra help of professional mental health treatment.
Talk About Mental Health
The best way to raise awareness about mental health is to talk to your peers about your own experience. Perhaps you have a mental health disorder or are the parent, spouse, or friend of a person with mental health concerns. If so, talking about it helps destroy the stigma that prevents some people from getting the treatment they need.
A green ribbon represents mental health awareness, and wearing a ribbon is a great way to start a conversation.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Is Proud to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
For information about Mental Health Awareness Month events in North Carolina, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275. We’re here to provide the information you need to stay healthy and empowered to reach your wellness goals.
