Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing education and understanding of mental health issues in the United States and occurs every year throughout the month of May. Mental health Awareness Month 2019 is the 70th year the United States has celebrated the event.
Started in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health, which is now called Mental Health America, the original goal of the event was to promote awareness of the prevalence of mental health. In addition to improving education about mental illness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Each year, Mental Health Awareness Month picks a new theme, with last year’s theme being fitness.
Mental Health Awareness Month
In 2013, President Barak Obama issued a presidential proclamation officially declaring May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year, Mental Health America picks a different topic to address during the event, and in the past has picked themes such as trauma therapy, feeling socially connected, and the importance of addressing mental health symptoms early.
The theme for 2019 is a focus on fitness again. In general, they will focus on animal companionship, balancing work with your personal life, how socializing can improve mental health and the benefits of having a healthy sense of humor.
Mental Health Awareness Month in 2019 will also share information on spirituality. These topics address how chronic physical illnesses impact mental health, and how having pets and support animals can improve general wellness.
Importance of Mental Health Treatment
Although as many as 25% of Americans struggle with a mental health disorder, a large number either never receive treatment or fail to reach out for help before symptoms become debilitating. Mental health disorders are organizable in four stages, which correlate to how severely they impact your day to day life. Unfortunately, many people fail to receive help for mental illness before they reach stage 4. In fact, this is the most serious stage. Addressing mental illness early improves treatment outcomes. Moreover, certain mental illnesses are progressive, meaning they worsen with time even if you are receiving treatment.
A few other reasons why receiving mental health treatment is important to include:
- Creates a support system
- Improves understanding of the disorder
- Allows you to start receiving utilizing lower levels of treatment
- Provides a proper diagnosis
- Allows more time to find the right type of treatment and medications
- Improves well-being and happiness
Finding Mental Health Treatment
A Houston mental health clinic is a great place to find treatment and support if you suffer from mental illness. Pace Houston takes pride in helping you receive the mental health care you deserve, during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. Contact us today at 866.971.8423 to learn more about our programs.
