mental health appointment

Mental health is a commonly overlooked dimension of complete wellness.  This is why Mental Health America dedicates itself to only to mental health and makes it a priority among the wellness community.

Mental Health America works for prevention for all; for early identification and intervention for those at risk; for integrated health, behavioral health, and other services for those who need them; and for recovery as a goal. Mental Health America celebrates Mental Health Month each May and reaches millions of people with messages and materials of health and hope.  The theme they have chosen this year is “B4Stage4” because mental health concerns are no different from any other physical health concerns.

Mental Health by the Numbers

  • 1 in 5 people suffer from mental illness; approximately 7 million Americans every year
  • More than half of prison and jail inmates have a mental health problem
  • Globally, 3 of the 6 leading disabilities are due to mental illness (depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder)
  • Mental illness drains our economy of more than $80 billion every year; 15% of the total economic burden of all disease
  • Up to 90% of people being treated
  • 2/3 forego without treatment, mostly because of inability to access care and stigma

Help rid the stigma associated with Mental Health by raising awareness in the workplace for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, with these suggestions below:

  • Tweet about Mental Health Month Use Twitter to spread the word. You can use tweets featured here and here.
  • Consider holding Tuesday Bluesday and wear blue to support mental health awareness
  • Utilize your EAP for their resources; many can provide employee presentations on their services and resources regarding mental health conditions
  • Consider offering a Mental Health First Aid training course for management teams to identify signs and symptoms, as well as how to intervene

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