Mental Health Awareness Month: Learn Your Resources

Mental health has become a hot topic in recent years- which is amazing news! This means that the negative stigmas surrounding mental health are dwindling down and more resources are becoming available. The month of May is known as Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at fighting the stigma, providing support, educating the public, and advocating for policies that benefit those with mental illness. Each year, many organizations join this movement including the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and so many more. 

Unfortunately, mental health affects millions of individuals each day. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health for people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Therefore, now more than ever it is extremely important to facilitate open conversations regarding mental health challenges. I think we all can agree that this past year alone has brought on sudden difficult changes, extreme stress, trauma, and new challenges. 

You are not alone! Remember that everyone is going through something. If we all come together and start conversations about mental health, we will realize that there are others who feel the same as us. There is no shame in reaching out for help when things become difficult, overwhelming, or begin to affect everyday activities.