pathoscribe

Written by Diya Desikan | Art by Maya Wen

Around 1 in every 5 people in the United States have a mental health disorder. However, mental illnesses don’t only affect the people that have them. They impact the lives of family, friends, and loved ones, which is why spreading awareness is so important. Spreading awareness reduces the common stigmas surrounding mental health and combats stereotypes that are associated with having a mental illness.

Mental Health Awareness Month was created in 1949, in order for others to understand the plight of mental illnesses, and be more supportive of people with mental illnesses. It also creates a safe space for those that are suffering to be comfortable reaching out and getting help. 

In the US itself, 48 million people have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 21 million have some form of depression, two of the most common mental health disorders. 

Organizations like Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Institute of Mental Health were created in order to help the spread of mental health related knowledge. They offer access to tools that aid struggles associated with mental health. Additionally, many of these organizations host fundraisers or drives that sponsor research of these illnesses and actively improve the living situations of those afflicted. 

Mental health awareness is so important because of how widespread its effect is. Additionally, less than 50% of people with mental illnesses have received any form of treatment in 2021. Mental illnesses also impact the young, and with the increasing rise of social media, its prevalence has increased as well. We need to band together to fight the stigmas associated with mental illnesses and support the people that have them.

Works Cited:

“Mental Health Awareness Month.” SAMHSA, http://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month. Accessed 29 May 2024. 

“Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.” National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 26 Apr. 2024, http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/. 

Team, Lifespan Blog, et al. “The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month.” Lifespan, 26 Apr. 2024, http://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/importance-mental-health-awareness-month.