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Breaking the Stigma During Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is not just an individual concern; it's a societal one. May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. It’s a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how mental health is perceived. People are increasingly at ease discussing mental health openly and candidly. Yet stigma and discrimination continue to prevent many individuals from seeking the help and support they need. 

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. It's a time to raise awareness, educate others, and advocate for change. It's time to recognize that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness but a natural part of the human experience. 

Here is a list of the different Types of Mental Health Disorders and the prevalence in the United States for adults: 

  • Anxiety – 18.1% 
  • Depression – 7.8%  
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – 6.8% 
  • Bipolar Depression – Up to 6% 
  • Binge Eating Disorder – Up to 1.2% 
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – 1% 
  • Anorexia Nervosa – 0.6% 
  • Schizophrenia – 0.5%  
  • Bulimia Nervosa – 0.3% 

This month let's commit to supporting each other in our mental health journeys. Checking in on our friends, family members, and colleagues. Listening without judgment and offering our empathy and understanding. Mental Health Awareness Month encourages creating spaces where people feel safe to share their struggles and seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination. 

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health requires a collective effort. It requires us to challenge stereotypes, debunk myths, and foster a culture of acceptance and support. If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is. With a Healthcare Highways network, behavioral health facilities are always available. 

Sources: 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month | AHA 

https://www.verywellmind.com/an-overview-of-mental-health-statistics-in-the-united-states-5101183