As May has begun, mental health month has as well. This month was created in 1949 to bring awareness to mental health issues, educating people past the stigma of mental health, and helping those who deal with mental health issues.

Here is some information to educate you about mental health:

What is mental health?

Mental Health is defined as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.

What causes the development of mental health issues?

Most mental illnesses don’t have a single cause. Instead, they have a variety of causes, called risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop a mental illness. Sometimes, mental illness develops gradually. Other times, it doesn’t appear until a stressful event triggers it. (from MHA) Some risk factors are genetics, childhood trauma, drugs & alcohol, etc.

How to reduce the mental health stigma?

-Try to be open about your mental health and talk to others about it because they could be dealing with similar issues. And you are not alone.

-Educate yourself and others on mental health

-Show empathy for those who struggle with mental health

Where to get mental health support?

-Support groups

-Find a health care provider or treatment

-Crisis text line( Text “HELLO” to 741741)

-National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

#breakthestigma

#mentalhealthmatters