Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in May. While challenges continue on how to best help 1 in 5 U.S. adults living with a mental illness (approximately 23% of the adult population), one thing remains true: we all can play a part in helping to reduce stigma and promote the recovery of individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges at any age.
Early intervention and support, especially for children, can make a difference.
While each person’s mental health journey is unique, a strong support system can help in a crisis moment, and over time. Choose to be a part of someone’s support network. Learn to recognize the signs. Be present. Listen. Get help from a professional when you or someone you know needs it. And don’t forget about self-care.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and essential for overall well-being at every stage of life.
We invite you to join WGA in strengthening support systems to bring about life-long wellness. Here are a few resources on how to have respectful conversations around mental health with others:
- Starting the Conversation Guide (SAMHSA)
- Reframing Language Infographic (Nationall Federation of Families)
- Your Language Matters (NAMI)
Source: SAMHSA website