Mental Health Awareness Month

Every May, for the National Mental Health Awareness Month, organizations such as National Alliance of Mental Illness, NAMI, and Mental Health America raise awareness to stop the stigma around mental illness by reaching and informing millions of people across the country since 1949. Every year, MHA selects a theme to explore different aspects of mental health and its effects on people and communities. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body like last year’s.

Mental health is a topic that a lot of people feel embarrassed to talk about despite to the fact that there is no difference between having a physical illness and a mental illness. It is an aspect of general health and necessary to be a happy person. Unfortunately, many people do not have this mindset, which causes them to easily stigmatise and label people with mental illness as “crazy” or “psycho” or “nuts” without listening their stories. This stigma and stereotypes around mental illness not only causes our society to develop a prejudice attitude, but also discourages tons of people around the world with mental illness to ask for help.

Just like the way to solve other social issues, the way to address this stigma is to simply be more vocal about the fact that mental illnesses are just as important as physical illnesses. There are several compassionate actions we can take to get involved with the issue and to show care to those facing mental illness.

Clearly, making a financial contribution regardless of its amount is one of the easiest and effective ways to support people with mental illness. Donations allow charities to continue providing low cost or free support and recovery programs. NAMI, Mental Health America, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and National Eating Disorders Association are some of the best organizations to donate to.

You can also volunteer at the advocacy groups I mentioned above to create a stigma free world. Many local mental health organizations offer volunteer opportunities and organize walks and events. Get involved and contribute in fighting against the stigma, not just this month but every month.