May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month and has provided an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues for more than 50 years.

Mental Health America launched Mental Health Week, which eventually became May is Mental Health Month, in 1949. Each May, Americans recognize Mental Health Month with events and activities in communities across the country. The theme for Mental Health Month this year is "Get Connected" to emphasize the important role of social relationships in protecting and improving mental health and building resiliency. Many organizations, including NAMI, engage in efforts to promote Mental Health Month.

There are now designated times in May for groups to raise awareness and advocate for improvements in research, prevention and treatment on specific mental health issues. The first week in May, for example, has been designated as Children's Mental Health Week. But the specific times are not as important as educating about all mental illnesses any time of the year.

Mental Health Ministries is featuring several downloadable resources that may be helpful in your planning. Many of our free print resources are available in Spanish. In addition, these resources are available on the NAMI FaithNet Web site, www.nami.org/faithnet in the resources section.

I believe that anyone and everyone who has mental health issues should be vocal about them and share their stories with others. It's important to raise awareness for this sometimes silent illness. We need to educate everyone that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of and hide away from others as if you are contagious. 

People with mental illness need love and support. Support is so important in healing and maintaining a healthy balance. No one should suffer alone. 

I have a mental illness, it's called Bipolar Disorder. Along with it I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am being treated by a psychiatrist and a therapist. I've shared this information with family, friends, and my church family. I have a great support system. 

I want others to have what I have. Be open with those you can trust. It's important to maintain a healthy support system. If you have a down day you'll need someone to talk to and give you a much needed boost of confidence. A positive influence is so important during your down times. Even if you need someone to listen or sit quietly with you. 

Mental Health America is using May's Mental Health Month to promote Pathways to Wellness. 

Don't let another day go by without sharing your story with another person. It could be your best friend, a family member, someone at your church, or even me. I'll listen.

Sharing is the first step to healthy mental health.