May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. For 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI will amplify the message of “Together for Mental Health.” We will use this time to bring our voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care through NAMI’s blog, personal stories, videos, digital toolkits, social media engagements and national events.

Did You Know?

• Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness (51.5 million in 2019).
• The prevalence of any mental illness (AMI) was 24.5% for females and 16.3% for males.
• People aged 18-25 had the highest prevalence of AMI (29.4%), followed by those 26-49 years old (25%), while those aged 50 and older had the lowest prevalence (14.1%).

Over the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and others within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and across the Federal Government, the public health community, and the general public have made efforts to increase the importance of understanding both prevention and treatment of mental health problems. These efforts have significantly improved the outlook for those affected by mental illnesses.

You Are Not Alone!

This year, the theme of MHA’s (Mental health America) 2022 Mental Health Month Toolkit is “Back to Basics.” After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. Our goal is to provide foundational knowledge about mental health & mental health conditions and information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.

Together, we can make an impact!

Mental Health Month gives all of us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the tremendous strides this Nation has made in promoting mental health and increasing the public’s knowledge that effective services and support are available.

Disclaimer: Health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start, change or modify your medications, lifestyle or current treatment regimen.

Picture credit: May is Mental Health Awareness Month | American Behavioral Clinics

Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)

References

May is Mental Health Awareness Month | AHA

May is National Mental Health Month | Youth.gov

May is Mental Health Awareness Month | American Behavioral Clinics

Mental Health Awareness Month | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)

Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health Month 2021 – National Council for Mental Wellbeing « National Council (thenationalcouncil.org)