Mental Health Month

Photo from Flickr by faxpilot Lime-lighting mental health awareness

May is recognized as Mental Health Month.  During the following month, time is taken to raise awareness and educate the public about the realities of living with mental illness.  Although mental health issues are important to address year-round, Mental Health Month is crucial because it gives people a specific time to come together to support each other and share their own mental health stories.  Also for many it allows them to reaffirm their commitment to breaking the silence and stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

By raising awareness hopefully the thousands of individuals affected by mental illnesses can get the help they need.  One in five people will suffer from some form of mental illness in any given year.  Not all pain is physical and not all wounds are visible.

To learn more about Mental Health Month visit AFSP, Mental Health America or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Did you know May was Mental Health Month?  Do you do anything or have any thoughts on how to raise awareness?