May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, advocating for better mental health care and resources, and promoting mental well-being. This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” aims to build on the accomplishments of mental health advocates and encourage us all to take action to improve mental wellness for all.
What is Mental Wellness?
Mental wellness refers to a state of positive emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables individuals to effectively cope with life’s challenges and contribute to their communities. It’s more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses the ability to thrive, feel good, and live a fulfilling life. Mental wellness is crucial because it impacts how we think, feel, and act, influencing our relationships, ability to learn, work, and overall quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. It’s essential to recognize the importance of mental wellness and take proactive steps to maintain it.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Problems
In the U.S., mental health conditions are very common. Reports supplied by the National Institute of Mental Health show that nearly one in four U.S. adults and one in seven children ages three to 17 (8 million) are living with a mental or behavioral health condition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reminds us that less than half of the people, children, and adults are receiving care.
The lack of access to mental health care and resources is a significant concern. It’s essential to address this issue and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
Turning Awareness into Action
This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” encourages us to take concrete steps to improve mental wellness for all. To do this, we need to focus on prevention and early intervention.
Mental health prevention strategies focus on reducing risk factors and building protective factors to promote well-being and reduce the likelihood of illness. The Positive Youth Development (PYD) Model is an example of a prevention strategy that focuses on the 5 C’s of mental health: competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection.
The PYD Model has shown a positive relationship with youth contribution to self, family, and society and a negative one with risky behaviors and emotional difficulties. It’s essential to support and implement prevention strategies in our communities.
Early detection and intervention are critical in mental health. If we wait for symptoms to become severe before taking action, the consequences can be severe. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that the prevalence of emergency rooms being the first point of access for behavioral health treatment is a significant concern.
So, what can you do to “Turn Awareness into Action?” Here are some steps you can take:
- Complete a Self-Assessment: Utilize online tools, such as Mental Health America’s screening tools, to assess your emotional well-being and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Employers: Promote an environment in which early detection and intervention of mental health and substance use conditions are encouraged, and make EAP services available to employees.
- Educators: Work with local prevention professionals to identify resiliency-building curriculum for classrooms, and create environments where open dialogues about mental health are valued and facilitated.
- Community Leaders: Organize Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, an evidence-based curriculum, to provide education about mental health and addiction to non-medical professionals.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit your nearest behavioral health urgent care center or local hospital emergency department.
About the Author
Carol Zuniga, MS, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc., has nearly 40 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare industry.
