May 2023: Mental Health Awareness Month
Contributor: The I.D.E.A Committee
Mental Health Awareness Month is an ideal time for us all to think about mental health, tackle stigma and find out how we can create a society that promotes our mental health and well-being. It’s a time to share information, stories and resources!
Each year, a mental health theme is selected to be highlighted and celebrated throughout May. The theme of Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 is “Look Around, Look Within,” according to Mental Health America. Mental health professionals' aim is to emphasize the ways that our surroundings — like safe and stable housing, healthy home lives, neighborhoods and cities, and nature — affect our mental health.
A Few Interesting Facts: Did you know that ….
- We all face challenges in life that can impact our mental health. Research indicates that one in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Our mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being
- Fifty-five percent of U.S. counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist.
- Immigrant students often experience culture shock, and sometimes assume a degree of financial, cultural, and emotional responsibility for their parents; which can be accompanied by mental health repercussions such as depression and anxiety.
- Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949. It was commemorated by the Mental Health America organization, which was then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene.
Making your Mental Health a Priority:
A great starting point for anyone who is ready to start prioritizing their mental health is to take a Mental Health Screening. It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and begin finding hope and healing.
A few resources:
NYS Office of Mental Health: List of Behavioral Health Providers
In April of 2021, The New York State Education Department and Office of Mental Health recently shared joint guidance on supporting student mental health, including resources for students, staff, and families. You are invited to explore the resources in this document here, Guidance on Supporting Student Mental Health.
Mental Health America: 2023 MH Week/Month
Mental Health challenges impact ELL Population
Ways to Get Involved:
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Through Activism
Find ways to connect through self-care
For more information about Mental Health Day of Action, visit mentalhealthaction.network
In the LGBTQIA+ community: Learn and share how LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults can find their people no matter where they live, and share this helpful guide to getting connected.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sponsored Events:
Mental Health Action Day (May 18): mentalhealthaction.network
NAMI Walks (May 20): https://www.namiwalks.org
Partner with NAMI:
Advocate: Sign up for advocacy alerts to take action when opportunities arise in the community.
Volunteer: Get involved with your local NAMI, or apply to be a volunteer with the organization's national helpline.
Write a blog: Share your personal story with mental health. Your story can encourage and support others with similar experiences and help promote understanding and empathy to those without mental illness.
Sources:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-mental-health-awareness-week/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week
https://www.mvtimes.com/2021/03/10/mental-health-challenges-impact-ell-population/
https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-awareness-month-2023/
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