Spreading the Word about mental Health Awareness Month
Each May, let us increase awareness about the importance of mental health and the effects it has on the wellbeing of all Americans, including children, adults, families, and communities throughout our country. Over the last 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as well as others in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as throughout the federal government, the public health community, and the public at large, have made efforts to raise the importance of understanding both prevention and treatment for mental health problems.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads public health efforts to promote the behavioral health of the United States and works to reduce the effects of substance abuse and mental illness in American communities. In multiple cohorts, SAMHSAs Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration Program has supported coordination and integration of primary care services and community-based, state-funded behavioral health services for individuals served by the community mental health system.
In fact, many individuals throughout history have made an incredible difference on the world, all while living with mental or behavioral health conditions. Even more important, according to Paul Simone, PhD, vice president and medical director for behavioral health, members of society must realize mental illnesses are not something that we can conquer through sheer force of will. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illness is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the U.S., and it is estimated that one out of every five Americans experiences some type of mental illness in a given year.
According to Mental Health America, a nonprofit, community-based organization that addresses the needs of people living with mental illnesses, almost one out of every five American adults experienced mental illness in 2019, and over half of adults living with a mental illness -- over 27 million adults across the U.S. -- do not receive treatment. A recent statement from President Joe Biden on May mentioned isolation, sickness, heartbreak, and loss of work as contributing factors in declining mental health, along with lack of access to mental health services in challenging times. Last year, the Surgeon General issued a new advisory highlighting the urgency to address the nations youth mental health crisis, outlining the unprecedented impacts the pandemic has had on mental health for the nations youth and families, and the mental health challenges that existed well before the COVID-19 pandemic. As we head into May with Mental Health Awareness Month, companies across the nation are called to ensure benefits for wellness and behavioral health support will be front and center as we all work to increase awareness for those living with mental or behavioral health challenges. Let’s all do our part to ensure those struggling know that they are not alone.