Mental Health Month

May is mental health month.  Mental health is so stigmatized, and this month's purpose is to not only raise awareness, but to continue to stop the stigmas.  Mental health problems are more common than you might think.  Here are some statistics: 

1 in 5 adults in America have a mental illness, with 1 in 25 living with a serious mental illness.

18.1% of adults in America have an anxiety disorder, and 6.9% live with major depression. 2.6% live with bipolar disorder and 1.1% - 2.4 million adults in America - live with schizophrenia, the most debilitating mental health disorder.  

Many people that are either homeless, incarcerated, or living with addictions have mental health problems.

90% of suicides are people who had underlying mental health issues.  It is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.

44,193 Americans die by suicide every year.  For each suicide, 25 more attempt.
That is 121 suicides a day - 50% of these involve firearms.

60% of those with mental illnesses never received any sort of services for mental health - likely, because of the stigma of getting help.

10% of the American population takes antidepressants.

Knowing these statistics, mental health is obviously a problem, and common among people in America.  The stigmas need to end.  Also, the language we use about mental illness needs to be discussed.  

For example, the way we talk about suicide could be part of the stigmas.  Instead of saying "committed suicide", say "died by suicide."  This takes blame from the person.  Also, do not say that someone had a "failed attempt" - they continue to live, this isn't a failure. 

Stop saying mental illness is all in the head.  Stop telling someone with depression to cheer up, and stop telling people with anxiety to calm down.  Don't call people bipolar, when they do not have bipolar disorder.  Mood swings are not bipolar disorder.  ADHD isn't just bad behavior.  All people with schizophrenia are not dangerous.  Treatment is not for the weak, it takes a lot to ask for help.  After seeking treatment, people can move past their illnesses.  

Talking about mental health is the best way to stop the stigmas. 

Many of you know my mental health history.  My family has many different cases of mental health problems, and I have both depression and anxiety.  This year was the first time I asked for help after struggling with these for about a decade - I was always too scared to.  However, seeking treatment has made my life 100% more enjoyable, and more livable.  Being transparent about the process of treatment is the best way to make it common.  If you know me well, you know that I am highly functioning, and I do not let these things stop me.  Just because someone has a mental illness does not make them any less successful or worthy of a full life!  

What you can do:

For the month of May, remember that it is mental health month.  Change the language, stop the stigmas.  

Hashtags: 

#IntoMentalHealth 

#MentalHealthAwareness

#healthateverysize

I challenge you to give to a charity for mental health this month.  Not only that, but don't be afraid to speak up!  

Some good charities to give to:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention -  https://afsp.org/take-action/give-a-gift/ 

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/donate 

https://www.bbrfoundation.org/

http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/index.php

https://give.thetrevorproject.org/checkout/donation?eid=63307

More than anything, educate yourself and the people around you.  Thank you!