Mental Health Awareness Week
This week, the United States is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Week. This awareness week aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote early treatment. Millions of people in America suffer from mental illnesses. People living with mental illnesses face a range of problems that can affect them directly and their families, friends, and co-workers. While mental illness is becoming more commonplace, there is still a stigma attached to it. Here are some tips to improve your mental health and prevent mental illness.
The Jed Foundation has partnered with schools and colleges to promote awareness and prevention of mental illness. The concept was extended to faculty and staff members at Baruch to increase awareness of the resources available to students. In addition to this, NAMI has several social media pages that highlight different resources. Mental health awareness week can be a powerful time to learn about mental illness and how you can protect yourself or someone you care about. You can also find resources in your local area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one in five adults in the United States suffers from a mental illness. Half of them begin suffering by age fourteen, and three-quarters start before the age of 24. In addition, nearly 40 million U.S. adults experience anxiety disorder or depression at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million American adults aged 18 and older.
The stigma surrounding mental illness is a reality for many. Unfortunately, these problems affect anyone, including police officers. Sadly, suicide is more common among LGBTQ people than it is among the general population. This statistic is shocking, especially for the younger generation. According to the CDC, LGBTQ youth seriously consider suicide at a three to five-fold higher rate than their heterosexual counterparts. The stigma surrounding mental health is particularly difficult for LGBTQ youth.
Athletes and coaches are addressing the stigma around mental health and addiction. In an attempt to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction, the Sunrisers are featuring athletes with a range of challenges. In an effort to combat the stigma, they are partnering with the National Suicide Prevention Alliance and the Mental Health Foundation of Australia. In addition to the news, their athletes are sharing their stories of overcoming mental health problems and addiction.
