Healthcare

Why Mental Health Awareness Can’t Be Just a Buzzword

Awareness of our own and others’ mental health is growing around the world, but sadly still hasn’t shaken the stigma and embarrassment. With the global pandemic, it’s easier now to dismiss co-workers’ mental health. At the same time, with our new remote workforce, it’s more important than ever to be aware and reach out. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that mental illness is prevalent in the U.S., with 51.5 million (or 20.6 percent of all U.S. adults) experiencing some form. However, only 44.8 percent of those with a mental illness received mental health services. And those numbers are even more dire in developing countries around the world. Just as you are aware of your physical health, your mental health awareness is just as important. Awareness helps you understand and recognize when you need help, or recognize when someone close to you needs help. Mental health awareness isn’t a buzzword you pay attention to only in May when it’s National Mental Health Awareness Month. And while it’s important to monitor your own mental health, recognizing when others need help is important, too. Recognizing mental health issues Most commonly, people suffer from anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression or bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, or suicidal thoughts. Because your mental health affects the way you think, feel, and behave, a mental health disorder affects you socially, professionally, and personally. Recognizing you or someone you care for is experiencing mental health issues is the first step in getting treatment. Mental health […]