Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in 1949, when Congress passed a resolution calling on Americans to observe the month of May as a time to educate themselves about mental illness and its treatment. The National Mental Health Association created a program called "Open Your Mind" to promote awareness of mental health issues and encourage people with various mental illnesses to seek help from their doctors or other health professionals if they needed it.

Every year since then, this month has been marked by events such as walks, rallies and marches for mental health awareness around the country—but we still have work to do! The stigma surrounding mental illness remains strong in our society: about 45% of Americans believe that people who suffer from anxiety or depression are simply "weak" or "needy." We need more people speaking out about what it feels like to live with these conditions so we can dispel these myths once and for all!

Mental illness should not be a source of shame or stigma. It is not something to be kept secret. In fact, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of at all—it's just another part of being human.

Although it may feel like your problems are too great or that you have no hope for improvement, there is help available. You are not alone. And if you're ever feeling hopeless, reach out—there are resources available 24/7 through organizations like NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and many others dedicated to helping those living with mental illness.

This May, as we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, let's take a moment to remember the people we've lost and honor the people who continue to live with mental illness. Let's remind each other that it's okay to ask for help and that there is no shame in seeking out treatment. If you feel ready to seek help, we’re here for you. We have a list of services available so that you can heal and move forward. Reach out to us today, and remember: you are enough.