Mental Health Awareness Month- May: The Ultimate Guide

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mental health awareness month, May

May is the Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every year since 1949. Many communities and organisations try their best to raise awareness and fight/reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. They offer support, advocate for policies that support people affected by mental illness and educate the public. 

Mental Health Awareness Month May is not restricted to talking about mental conditions but goes beyond it and holds great significance in today’s time. Read this article to know its complete history, importance, and much more. 

What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to educating the public about mental illness and the importance of taking care of mental wellness. Although it was established by the Mental Health America organisation in 1949, many people have become aware of Mental Health Awareness Month in India and worldwide. 

It is a way to increase awareness regarding the realities of living with mental illness, research and treatments, and the right methods to enhance mental health. Organisations, communities, and individuals try to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, share knowledge, experiences, and valuable resources to seek mental health support and celebrate recovery from mental conditions. 

Mental Health Awareness Month

There are a lot of misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health, and people often refrain from sharing their issues. They suffer in silence rather than seeking treatment for their illness. 

Mental health awareness is an effort to improve the general understanding of mental health conditions and make treatment and support accessible to those who need it. 

There is a different theme each year. Last year, in 2022, it was Back to Basics, which aimed at teaching people the fundamentals of mental health after two years of pandemic. 

In 2023, the official theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is anxiety. It focuses on how anxiety affects people, external factors that trigger anxiety, and what one can do to support people suffering from it. 

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Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

Over the years, Mental Health Awareness Month has gained much popularity across the world. People are now talking about it and offering their support to increase awareness. 

Here are a few reasons that make Mental Health Awareness Month important for not only the ones suffering from mental illness but all of us:

1. Raise Awareness

It helps people recognise how mental conditions can affect their lives, highlight ways to advocate for it and educate people about available support networks and help.

2. Eliminating Stigma and Encouraging Treatment

Right education and information eliminate the stigma around mental illness. People start to recognise symptoms and are encouraged to seek treatment at the right time.

3. Promoting Open Discussion and Removing Misconceptions

It provides a time and space to share experiences and discuss mental health. It removes misconceptions when people talk openly about it without hesitation or barriers. 

4. Supporting People with Mental Illness

Whether or not someone is suffering from a mental health issue, it is important for friends, family, and loved ones to understand the impact of mental health and how to approach people facing mental health issues. When people are well-educated and informed, they can offer better support and help to others dealing with mental illness.

5. Understanding Reality of Mental Health Conditions

It makes people aware of the reality of living with a mental health condition. It makes life difficult, but there are ways to overcome it and live a fulfilling life. There are many volunteers who share and talk about mental health awareness tips, treatments, and more.

6. Promoting Mental Health Care

It is an opportunity to outreach, raise funds, and increase awareness through mental health awareness events. This is crucial to support treatments, organisations, and research for mental health. Also, it creates a promising future for mental health care. 

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Alarming Mental Health Statistics and Facts

Nearly one in every five people suffers from some sort of mental health illness. They may not accept it or talk about it, but they do. 

Due to mental health stigma and misconceptions, many choose to suffer silently and avoid asking for help. Needless to say that most often, the consequences are unfortunate. 

Even if you are not suffering from a mental health condition, chances are that your life is touched by someone who is suffering. You’ll be shocked to know how prevalent mental health conditions are. 

Mental Health Statistics and Facts

Here are some facts that will compel you to think about it more and enhance your knowledge about it:

  • Mental disorder is among the primary reason for disability and ill health among people. It affects almost 1 in 5 people globally, which is more than the population of New York and Florida together.
  • Around 17% of children and teenagers between ages 6-17 experience mental health conditions.
  • 90% of people who attempt or die from suicide have a mental illness.
  • Women are more likely to seek help or treatment for their mental health concerns.
  • People with depression have twice the chance of having heart disease compared to the general population.
  • Although various treatments are available for mental health issues, two-thirds of people with mental disorders never get professional help. Moreover, those who take treatments often find them ineffective.
  • There are consistent cases of people withdrawing from treatment programs. Nearly 20% of people seeking mental health treatment leave before completing the mental health course, which reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. 
  • Anxiety is among the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions, which affects around 18% of the population. Other mental health illnesses are Schizophrenia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Eating Disorder.

Also read: Tame the Beast: How to Manage Anger in a Constructive Way?

History of Mental Health Awareness Month 

Mental Health Awareness Month was introduced in 1949 in the United States by the Mental Health America organisation. At that time, it was known as the National Association for Mental Health. 

The goal was to raise awareness and educate people about mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, and reduce misconceptions and stigma around mental health conditions. It strives to educate people about trauma, the societal impact of mental illness, and its impact on emotional, physical, and mental wellness. 

YearMental Health Awareness Month
1949Started as Mental Health Week
1955Became Mental Health Month
1979Presidential proclamation by Jimmy Carter
2013National Alliance on Mental Illness theme “CureStigma”
2020National Alliance on Mental Illness theme “You Are Not Alone”
2021National Alliance on Mental Illness theme “You Are Not Alone”
2022Back to Basics theme
2023#MoreThanEnough theme

Note: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest mental health organization in the US and every year they announce a theme for Mental Health Awareness Month.

There have been various efforts to promote acceptance, prevention, support, and recovery from mental health conditions. Some of them are:

1. The Affordable Care Act 

It promoted mental health insurance coverage and expanded to approximately 30 million Americans. Now, around 11 million people out of them will have easy access to services needed for mental health and substance abuse. 

2. The Community Mental Health Service Block Grant

It offers financial assistance to states and territories so they can carry out state plans to provide community-based mental health services and evidence-based support to adults suffering from serious mental health issues and children experiencing emotional disturbances.

3. The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention Program 

It ensures coordination among different government agencies and the private sector in their development, execution, and evaluation of youth suicide prevention and early intervention plans conducted by institutes, including foster care, primary care, education institutions, schools, mental health programs, substance abuse programs, and juvenile justice systems. 

4. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 

It strives to eliminate the practice of unequal health treatment and ensure that everyone has easy access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments through equitable insurance coverage. 

Mental Health Awareness Month is our chance to do our best to promote mental health, increase the knowledge of the public, and provide effective services and support. 

Organisations conduct several events, activities, and campaigns this month that target different sections of society. Even Mental Health Month India has gained immense pace in spreading awareness among people and educating people so they are encouraged to seek support whenever they need it. 

Also read: How to Improve Focus and Concentration? Proven Tips, Activities And Exercises

Symbol of Mental Health Awareness Month

The Mental Health Awareness Month symbol is a green ribbon that people wear to show their support. Every year, MHA releases a toolkit, which includes materials to guide preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month activities. Also, its affiliates and many other organisations conduct several events based on that year’s theme.

Symbol of Mental Health Awareness Month

Common Mental Health Issues & Disorders

Now that you know who started Mental Health Awareness Month and its history, let’s look at some common mental health conditions and their symptoms. 

1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorder is diagnosed when people don’t respond appropriately to a situation. Some common signs are fear, dread, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. It includes several mental health conditions, such as social phobias, panic, OCD, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress, etc. 

When a person can’t control their response or their anxieties interfere with their normal functioning, they might be suffering from an anxiety disorder. If not treated the right way or at the right time, it can lead to significant impairment in daily life. 

2. Behavioural Disorders

Also known as affective disorders, these involve constant feelings of sadness or extreme mood fluctuations. People feel overly happy, and suddenly, they might be extremely sad. Depression, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder are part of behavioural or mood disorders. 

3. Depression

Depression is affecting people of different ages and is a common mental health condition. It is characterised by a loss of interest and enjoyment, mood swings, and reduced energy. Symptoms of depression can vary based on the level of severity, and extreme depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. 

4. Eating Disorders

This disorder also affects people of all ages and genders. It includes binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia nervosa. People suffering from eating disorders can feel extreme emotions and serious psychological and physical consequences. 

5. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops as a response to a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, war-related torture, natural disaster, etc. 

People with PTSD have frightening or terrifying thoughts and memories of a particular event that can last weeks, months, or years, which can make them emotionally numb.

6. Schizophrenia

It is a complex psychotic disorder that disrupts emotions and thinking and causes a distorted perception of reality. Its symptoms may vary depending on the level of severity, but the common signs are hallucinations, social withdrawal, delusions, impaired memory, thought disorder, and lack of motivation. 

7. Dissociative Disorders

It is associated with overwhelming stress caused due to an event or trauma. People with dissociative disorder go through changes in memory or severe mental disturbances. It also affects their general awareness of themselves and their surroundings. Multiple personality disorder and depersonalisation are common examples of dissociative disorder. 

Also read: What is Emotional Detox? Full Guide to Detox Your Emotions

Symptoms of Mental Health Issues

Symptoms of a mental health condition may vary based on the disorder, but there are a few signs that are common for all disorders. If you experience these symptoms or see your friends or relatives going through them, seek professional help without delay.

  • Fatigue or sleep issues
  • Feeling low or sad
  • Isolation
  • Confused thinking 
  • Reduced focus and concentration
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Detachment from reality or hallucinations
  • Major changes in eating habits
  • Avoiding social gatherings, friends, and even family members
  • Intense anger or irritability
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Inability to deal with daily issues
  • Excessive fear, worry, or guilt
  • Trouble associating with situations and people
  • Inability to understand others’ emotions

Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health

Stigma means seeing something or someone in a negative way because of a particular attribute, such as cultural background, disability, or mental illness. When someone defines you by your mental health issues rather than who you are as a person, it is a stigma. 

For example, calling someone psychotic is a stigma. Moreover, discrimination is when people treat you disgracefully because of your mental illness. 

Stigma and discrimination can worsen mental health conditions, and people suffering from it can find it harder to recover. Many may avoid asking for help when they need it the most because of fear of being stigmatised. 

Stigma can be subtle or obvious, but it can cause harm irrespective of its magnitude. Stigma is a result of a lack of understanding or fear of mental health issues. One of the biggest factors of this is misleading and inaccurate articles about mental health. 

A recent study on stigma has concluded that people may accept the medical nature of mental disorders and their treatment, but they still have a negative approach toward the ones suffering from mental illness. 

According to research, there are three types of stigma:

1. Public Stigma

Negative or discriminatory attitude that people have toward those who suffer from mental illness.

2. Self-stigma

When people with mental health issues have a negative attitude or internalised shame about their condition.

3. Institutional Stigma 

It is more systematic where government and private organisations limit opportunities for people with mental conditions. This can be intentional or unintentional. For example, limited mental health services as compared to other health care. 

Harmful Effects of Stigma and Discrimination

  • Lower self-esteem
  • Feeling isolated, hopeless, and embarrassed
  • Facing difficulties at work and social gatherings
  • Few professional and social opportunities 
  • Reluctance to seek treatment or help
  • Violence, bullying, and harassment 
  • Self-doubt
  • Lack of understanding by friends, family, and colleagues

Also read: Meditation for Depression: How it Works, Types & How to Overcome

Role of Self-care in Mental Health and Well Being

Self-care means deliberately taking care of emotional, mental, and physical well-being. The concept may sound simple, but many of us hardly make any effort for self-care. Taking care of our well-being can affect our mental health. 

It’s not crucial only for those suffering from mental illness but all of us as it keeps us recharged and refreshed, and we feel the best version of ourselves. 

  • Self-care and a healthier lifestyle help us manage mental health symptoms and issues. Moreover, it can prevent various problems from getting worse. 
  • It helps us build resilience toward stressors that we can’t avoid or eliminate in our daily lives. It teaches us basic concepts so we can neglect many issues easily.
  • Self-care promotes self-awareness, which enables us to recognise patterns in our thoughts and emotions. We identify situations that trigger symptoms of mental health conditions.
  • We are able to find activities and tasks that help us relax, avoid stress, and soothe negative symptoms of stress, thereby ensuring our well-being.
  • Moreover, we become confident, productive, and confident. Also, we experience more joy in our lives, build stronger relationships, make wiser decisions, and communicate more effectively. 

Every individual needs to decide which self-care technique works best for them depending on what they enjoy and other factors. The most important thing is to care for yourself, so never feel guilty if you pay more attention to your health because you deserve it. 

Also read: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living?

Tips and Strategies on How to Practise Self-Care

Self-care is a regular practice where you focus on various aspects of your life to ensure your mental wellness. As we enter May, here are a few Mental Health Awareness Month tips that you must follow every day:

1. Get Regular Exercise 

Spare at least 30 minutes every day to exercise as it boosts your mood and improves your mental and physical health. You can take a walk, join yoga courses to practice meditation and do breathing exercises. These small steps can make a huge difference, so try not to miss out on your exercise sessions. 

2. Prioritise Your Sleep

Listen to your body and practice healthy sleeping habits. Lack of sound sleep can take a toll on your mental and physical wellness. Have a schedule and stick to it so you can get enough sleep. You can even take daytime naps to stay fresh and energetic. As your body gets sufficient rest, it improves your concentration level.

3. Socialise and Connect

Having fulfilling and strong relationships keep you mentally and emotionally healthy. You get emotional support whenever you feel low. When supportive people are around, you can share your thoughts and talk to them, which gives you a sense of belongingness and self-worth. 

4. Mindfulness

It means to be aware of every moment. It is a human ability to be completely present at the moment and be aware of what you are doing, thinking, and feeling. Paying attention to the present moment can work wonders for your mental health. Also, it changes your outlook and keeps you calm. You can join mediation courses and practice mindfulness the right way. 

5. Acquire New Skills 

When you learn a new skill, you keep your mind occupied. This improves your mental health and boosts your self-confidence. In addition, you build a sense of purpose and stay motivated to connect with others. 

6. Set New Goals 

Declutter your life by deciding what’s important and what can wait. Focus on priority tasks and strive to achieve set goals. Don’t hesitate to say ‘no’ to new tasks if you think you already have too much on your plate. Also, be proud of what you have accomplished rather than what you couldn’t do. 

7. Express Gratitude

Appreciate all the good things you have and be grateful for them. Don’t complain about what you can’t have but remind yourself of the great things you are fortunate to have. 

8. Eat Healthy

What you eat is what you become. When you have a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and eat regularly. Make sure to limit your caffeine intake, such as coffee. This will improve your energy and focus all day. 

9. Seek Help

Many people hesitate to ask for help when they feel anxious or depressed. They suffer in silence, and many times, the results are unfortunate. So, if you feel stressed or need professional help, seek therapy on time. 

Tips and Strategies on How to Practise Self-Care

Resources for Mental Health Support

There are several resources, including websites, charities, helplines, and apps, that support people with mental health issues. You can connect with them to seek help for yourself or your loved ones. 

  • Samaritans
  • SANE
  • Mental Health Foundation
  • ACT Coach
  • Young Minds
  • Breathe2Relax
  • Happify
  • AETAS
  • Mental health courses
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Also read: Meditation for Overthinking: 5 Tips on How to Stop Overthinking

Mental Health Awareness Month Activities 2023- What You Can Do?

Mental Health Awareness Month brings people across the world together to spread awareness about mental health through campaigns, events, content, and activities. 

The purpose is to assure people suffering from mental health conditions that they are not alone and eliminate the stigma surrounding it. It is a great opportunity for everyone to speak about their mental health issues, share experiences, and support each other to bring change. 

Mental Health Awareness Month Activities

Here are Mental Health Awareness Month things to do in 2023 to show your support and create awareness:

  1. Start by educating yourself on mental health. Read various authentic resources, talk to professionals, and be a part of a support group or community.
  2. Focus on self-care and maintain healthy habits to live a happier life. Have a schedule, create a healthy sleep cycle, have a balanced diet, and talk to a therapist if you need.
  3. Join guided meditation to pay attention to your present moment and achieve mindfulness.
  4. Keep a journal and express your gratitude for all the good things you have done and achieved throughout the day.
  5. Participate in group outdoor activities, such as exercise, hiking, gardening, etc. Talk to people, don’t hesitate to socialise, listen to their stories, and share yours.
  6. Support those around you. Encourage them to seek professional help. Check on them regularly to see if you can do anything for them.
  7. Join mental health workshops as they educate people and promote mental health awareness by discussing various topics and practising various activities. 
  8. Support a mental health organisation in its effort to educate people and increase awareness. These organisations always need funds and volunteers to help them, so you can offer your assistance to any of them.
  9. To address mental health awareness, it is necessary to identify any areas where you are adding to the stigma surrounding mental health illness. It will help you to be more empathetic and compassionate toward others. 
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Final Thoughts

Mental Health Awareness Month May is significant in a lot of ways. It is a chance for all of us to educate ourselves, help others, and promote awareness as much as possible. Yes, you might not bring a major change in one month, but your small initiative can have a great and lasting impact. So, no matter how small your efforts are, do your best to show your support and spread awareness and happiness around you.

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