Mental Health Awareness month takes place each year in May. This awareness month has been observed annually since 1949 and was founded by the organization Mental Health America. The observation of this month is meant to highlight the importance of mental health, educate people about mental health, and reduce stigma and prejudice surrounding mental health conditions. Raising awareness about mental health is a key factor for building an understanding attitude towards those who may have mental health conditions. Mental Health Awareness Month works toward the goal of a more empathetic society where people are not afraid to take steps towards improving their mental well-being.

          This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness month is ‘Turn Awareness Into Action’. The goal of this theme is to celebrate the progress society has made in recognizing the importance of mental wellbeing, as well as challenge people to take steps towards making society an even more compassionate place for those with mental health conditions. Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year? Or that 1 in 6 youths living in the United States have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment? It has also been shown that 50% of mental conditions that will affect a person for the rest of their life begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

          Mental Health America has a lot of tips for boosting your mental health. Here are some of my favorites!:

  • Your mind functions best when your basic needs are being met. Do your best to hydrate and drink water throughout the day.
  • Make a list of your top 3 strengths. If you are having trouble with this, ask people close to you what they think some of your strengths may be.
  • Create a calm space in your home for taking breaks. Include things that help you relax, such as your favorite blanket or book.
  • Physical health is linked to mental health, so it’s important to move your body. Exercise in a way that feels right for you.
  • Write down three specific self-care goals for the month and put the list somewhere you’ll see it every day.

 

          Mental health awareness is very important concerning HAVEN’s mission to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, as well as to support and empower all people of all ages, gender identities, and families to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 20% of abuse survivors develop mental health conditions. The most common mental health conditions to develop after surviving trauma and abuse are major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. The American Psychiatric Association also finds that domestic violence survivors often blame themselves for the abuse they’ve experienced, becoming self-critical, self-destructive, and suicidal. Chronic abuse can lead to trauma responses that further impact a survivor’s life. It is also important to note that domestic violence affects the children of people who are experiencing abuse. The children may go on to develop higher rates of depression and anxiety, as well as perform worse in school compared to their peers. Witnessing domestic abuse is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience, or ‘ACE’. This form of ‘ACE’ has been linked to negative health conditions later on in adulthood, such as depression or heart disease.

          During this month, it is encouraged for you to take action to support your mental health and well-being. Mental health can be a personal journey or a movement to support those around you. HAVEN provides extremely important education and advocacy services through its volunteers and employees. For example, the Education Team teaches children safe ways to disclose important information regarding their physical and mental well-being to a trusted adult in order to keep themselves safe. Client Services also does many important things to support survivors’ mental health during the difficult legal processes they may be going through. These are only a few examples that do not encompass the entirety of the important work HAVEN employees, advocates, and volunteers provide. Change can happen every day, and every action taken towards a society that is healthier and more understanding is a step in the right direction. HAVEN serves all people in their community, including those part of the LGBTQ+ community. HAVEN’s confidential crisis support line (1-603-994-7233) is available 24 hours a day and staffed by trained advocates.

 

Resources:

https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/action-guide/#action-all

https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/

https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/domestic-violence

https://mhanational.org/resources/31-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health/

https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit