Since 1949, the United States has observed May as Mental Health Awareness Month. First started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization, Mental Health Awareness Month attempts to raise awareness and increase understanding about mental health. Although designating a month to highlight and focus on mental health helps bring attention and awareness that mental health issues can be debilitating and affect anyone, it is important to acknowledge that mental health awareness shouldn’t be made a point of focus for just one month out of the year, but an important topic that receives ongoing attention by community programs and through individualized wellness practices.
Through concerted and conscious effort, anyone experiencing a mental health condition whether chronic or temporary can learn when, where, and how to access support, as most conditions are treatable. Mental health awareness, and paying attention to one’s mental health, is a responsibility we all share each and every day.
Read more on the CDCR page.