Mental Health Awareness Month
In this informational article by Abigail Woody, she discusses the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and the different ways people who experience mental illness can seek help.
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Mental Health Awareness month
Mental Health Awareness month
Abigail Woody
Abigail Woody
Source: Harrisonburg-Rockingham
Mental Health Awareness month is in May every year. Mental Health Awareness month is about raising awareness for people with mental and behavioral health issues and can help break the stigma of bad mental health.
In recent years, there have been many reports of negative mental health rates in teens. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10-19 year olds experience mental health conditions. Having mental health issues as a teen can result in difficulty focusing in school, harm social interactions, create a disarrayed sleep routine, and cause risk-taking behaviors. Emotional disorders are common among teens. Anxiety is seen most in older teens, and seen less often in younger children. Anxiety disorders in children between the ages of 10-14 is estimated to be approximately 3.6%, and 4.6% in between the ages of 15-19. Depression is seen in children 10-14 about 1.1%, and seen in teens 15-19 about 2.8%. Depression and anxiety can affect children heavily in their performance at school.
Mental health issues can be caused by school, parents, peers and many other influences. According to KVC Kansas, academic stress can lead to an increased possibility of having anxiety and depression. Kids often feel pressured to succeed in all their classes. Having full schedules, responsibilities, and less sleep are some of the factors that are making kids so stressed. Parents' mental health and how they treat their children can affect their child's mental well-being. According to Regis College, if a parent leaves their mental health untreated, then it can devastate their own families. Some causes of depression are trauma, genetics, brain structure, and drug and alcohol abuse. Depression can cause someone to commit suicide or refer to another form of hurting themselves.
It is important to bring awareness to these issues and struggles so people can continue to break the stigma of mental health issues. Mental health issues can be caused by many factors. Mental Health Awareness month is here to help bring to light mental illnesses.
Source: PHRMA
If you or someone you know is dealing with mental illness, then you can contact Kris Stuart, GPHS’ school therapist. You can also contact the National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255. There is also a hotline for LGBTQ+ youth with mental illness. The number is (866) 488-7386. There are people who are here to help if you need it.
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