About this episode
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is celebrated to increase awareness about mental health and wellness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental illness. It provides a national platform to educate the public, advocate for better policies, and encourage open conversations about mental health. I am not a mental health expert, but I know that hopefulness helps our mental health so I want to share a few things that mental health experts want us to know and be aware of. • Increased Awareness: The month aims to raise public understanding of mental health issues, including their prevalence, impact, and potential for prevention. • Reducing Stigma: By openly discussing mental health, the stigma associated with mental illness is reduced, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. • Promoting Support: Mental Health Awareness Month provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to offer support to those struggling with mental health challenges. • Advocacy for Better Policies: The month serves as a catalyst for advocacy, encouraging policy changes that prioritize mental health care and access. • Celebrating Recovery: Mental Health Awareness Month also recognizes the progress and resilience of individuals who have recovered from mental illness. In the US 1 in 4 of us will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder this year and 50% will have have a mental health disorder in our lifetimes.