Mental Health Matters: Awareness, Access, Action

Mental Health is a Human Right – Let’s End Stigma and Protect Access for All

Mental Health America established Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 as an annual event to raise awareness of mental health issues, educate the public, lessen stigma and encourage support for individuals with mental health disorders. Every year groups and individuals unite to advocate for improved mental health resources and care.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Do We Support It?

The reduction of stigma, promotion of early intervention and development of empathy and understanding are all greatly aided by mental health awareness. It promotes a more compassionate society where people feel empowered to seek help which improves mental wellbeing by normalizing discussions about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Months main goals are as follows. 

• Spreading knowledge about mental health issues and their effects. 
• Lowering stigma through promoting acceptance and candid discussions. 
• Emphasizing the value of early intervention and treatment accessibility. 
• Discussing the resources for mental health that are available such as crisis services and support groups. 
• Strengthening bonds and lowering feelings of loneliness among people dealing with mental health issues. 
• Promoting better access to care, more funding and enhanced mental health policies. 
• Encouraging self-care and mental health for general well-being. 

Few Important Facts Regarding Mental Health

Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U. S. still do not have access to thorough excellent care. These figures demonstrate the continued necessity of Mental Health Awareness Month and the significance of raising awareness of this inequity. 

• Each year mental illness affects adults. 
• Every year adults suffer from severe mental illness. 
• Only half of young people who suffer from mental health disorders receive treatment. 
• By age 14 75 percent of people have a lifetime mental illness. 
• High school students gave suicide serious thought. 

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How Can You Encourage Awareness of Mental Health?

This Mental Health Awareness Month takes action by concentrating on your personal wellbeing which is within your control. We’ve created a free self-care checklist that includes easy doable strategies to improve your mental well-being. Below you can download it. 

• Attend webinars to stay informed- Monthly sessions with experts on mental health issues and trends – save our events page to your bookmarks and return often to see what’s coming up. 
• Learn how to administer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)- Through MHFA a course that teaches how to recognize, comprehend and react to symptoms of mental illnesses and substance use disorders you can make a difference. Have you received training? Find out how to become an instructor for MHFA!
• Speak louder- With your support we can raise awareness of the value of mental wellness and push for greater access to mental health and drug abuse treatment. 

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How Can You Support the Preservation of Care Access?

This year Mental Health Awareness Month coincides with a significant event. The House Energy and Commerce Committee which oversees Medicaid is currently preparing to draft legislation that is anticipated to include significant budget cuts. Medicaid is the largest provider of funding for mental health and drug addiction treatment in the United States so cuts to it are probably in the cards. A. Additionally Congress has begun its annual budget process which determines funding for initiatives such as grants for Mental Health Awareness Training and expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) among others. Check out these resources to make your voice heard if you want to get involved. 

• Get updates on opportunities by subscribing to our Advocacy Alerts. 
• To your senators and representatives send a letter.
• Call the offices of legislators.
• Tell us about your experience using Medicaid to access care. 
• Learn more about the proposed changes to Medicaid by reading our brief.
• Find out more about your state’s Medicaid program. 
• Check out our resource center for Medicaid points specific to a given topic and public polling.
• Check out our Advocacy Handbook for resources and advice. 
• To obtain resources go to the CCBHC Success Center. 
• Find out more about the effects of the CCBHC model. 

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