The not-for-profit group Mental Health America is partnering with the White House to raise awareness for issues of mental health during the month-long promotion, and is using the theme “Life with a Mental Illness” as its cornerstone, according to TechTimes.
Mental Health America’s president and CEO, Paul Gionfriddo said the sharing of experiences is critical to the process of changing the stigma associated with mental illness in America. He adds, “Mental illnesses are common and treatable, and help is available. We need to speak up early – before Stage 4 – and in real, relatable terms so that people do not feel isolated and alone. Sharing is the key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and to showing others that they are not alone in their feelings and their symptoms.”
This month is the 67th time the United States has observed Mental Health Awareness Month, promoting efforts to change the way the general public views the illness and seeking to encourage those affected by the illness to speak out. Last year’s theme was devoted to engaging conversation about people that can recover from mental illness quickly if they start receiving treatments before reaching Stage 4.
The association is encouraging those individuals with the illness to share their stores using the hashtag #mentalillnessfeelslike. The group is asking leaders of faith-based groups to initiate conversations about mental illness within their communities, as well as minority interest groups and youth counselors.
One of every five adults in the US experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, some 48.3 million people. The group says the lack of awareness and the stigma involved with the illness is costing the country as much as $193 billion per year in lost wages and productivity.
President Obama, in his proclamation about Mental Health Awareness Month, said, “This month, we renew our commitment to ridding our society of the stigma associated with mental illness, encourage those living with mental health conditions to get the help they need and reaffirm our pledge to ensure those who need help have access to the support, acceptance and resources they deserve.”