May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

This is an important topic as mental health issues not only effect the individual, it also effects the many others connected to that individual such as family, friends, work and community. Mental Health America is a national organization that leads the effort to identify mental health issues early to prevent the problems it can bring to one’s life.

Their #B4Stage 4 campaign seeks to raise awareness that mental health issues can be identified and treated early, much like many chronic illnesses can be identified and treated before reaching “stage 4.”

1 in 5 Americans will have a Mental Health condition in any given year. Only 41 percent will receive treatment. This is according to a 2012 survey from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This lack of treatment can result in emotional suffering and problems with family, friends and work that could have either been reduced or altogether prevented.
Some common mental health issues include Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Hotlines that provide 24 hour support include:

The National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
That National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
The Maricopa Country Crisis Hotline: 1-800-631-1314
EMPACT-SPC: 480-784-1500

Too often people are ashamed or embarrassed when they experience unexpected disturbing feelings like sadness, anxiety, irritability or lack of concentration. Sharing these feelings with trusted friends, family and professionals is the first step in feeling better.