Take a Moment to Promote Mental Health
This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the “Take the Moment” campaign. This program encourages people – at home, in the workplace and in their communities – to share resources to support individuals and families on their journey toward mental wellness.
This program also emphasizes the importance of providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers. It also champions the importance of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize your mental health without guilt or shame.
Here are some fast facts shared by NAMI:
One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
One in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and only two-thirds receive treatment.
One in six 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
122 million people live in areas that have a shortage of mental health professionals.
More than three quarters of Americans (76%) say they are not content with the status of mental health treatment in this country.
Seven in 10 Americans (72%) agree that people with mental health conditions face discrimination in their everyday life.
Only half of Americans (53%) say they are familiar with the U.S. mental health care system
Unfortunately, not enough people are getting the care they need. The non-profit National Council for Mental Wellbeing offers practical ways to bring mental wellbeing into focus for yourself, your family and your friends. For example, you can start with something as simple as lending your voice and support for public policies that remove barriers to accessing care and treatment.
Next, it is important to lead by example and prioritize your self-care. Practicing self-care is not only beneficial for you, it sets an important example for others. For example, you can implement self-care routines and healthy coping mechanisms such as using relaxation exercises like meditation and deep breathing to help you unwind, stay present and centered. You can also try doing at least one relaxing activity each day, like taking a walk, listening to music, reading or journaling for 30 minutes.
Third, celebrate mental wellbeing by helping to raise awareness about mental health and inspire change. You can post information to your social media channels, participate in local Mental Health Awareness Month activities, and check in with family, friends and co-workers. You may share about the importance of setting self-care goals such as doing more physical activity, eating a healthy and balanced diet, prioritizing rest and sleep, and setting healthy boundaries.
Finally, supporting Mental Health Awareness Month also means supporting friends, family, co-workers and community members who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. By knowing how to offer assistance in their time of need, you can make the difference in someone’s recovery journey.
For example, many employer-sponsored group insurance plans offer an Employee Assistance Program providing critical mental health support for employees. These include access to an integrated suicide prevention program, referrals to treatment and short-term counseling.
Remember, helping others begins with taking care of yourself first. When you take steps to have a healthier mind and body, you can be there for others when they need help the most. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis: Call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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