May is Mental Health Month
Each May, we should raise awareness for Mental Health Month. It matters. For those living with cognitive or behavioral health issues, we are here to show support and to help reduce the stigma that so many people experience.
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#MentalHealthMonth #MHM2022 #parklandcommunitylibrary #mentalhealthmatters
With mental health entering more and more of our daily conversations, it’s critical that everyone has a solid foundation of knowledge about mental health. That’s why for Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is getting back to basics.
This blog contains tools and resources. It introduces mental health topics like recognizing warning signs, knowing the factors that can lead to mental health conditions, maintaining mental wellness, and seeking help for mental health.
From social determinants of health to genetics, many factors are in play when it comes to mental health conditions, but there are protective measures that can prevent mental health conditions from developing or keep symptoms from becoming severe.
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life. Symptoms start by age 24 for most people.
The average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years. This means a lot of people spend months or years facing mental health challenges before getting a diagnosis. It is never too early to seek treatment for your mental health. Intervening effectively during early stages can save lives and is critically important for people living with mental health conditions.
It is essential to point out that social, cultural, and historical factors often impact individuals mental health.
What Can I Do?
Get Screened
Life can be challenging, but every day shouldn’t feel hard or out of your control. If it does, one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening.
Your screening results can be used to start a conversation with your primary care provider or a trusted friend or family member, and you can begin to plan a course of action for addressing your mental health.
You Are Not Alone
When facing a mental health concern or living with a mental health condition, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. You aren’t alone – help is available, and recovery is possible.
Check out our Mental Health Resource Guide to learn more about available resources, download fact sheets, and find more information in the library.
Mental Health Month Activities
De-stress with our free, printable coloring sheets and bookmarks.
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