Mental Health Awareness

Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. It was founded by the Mental Health America organization (formerly known as the National Association for Mental Health) with the intention to raise awareness, education, and break stigma around conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and many more. The stigma around mental illness impacts physical, emotional, and the mental well-being of families and communities. We want to share that you are not alone and that asking for help is a strength. Please explore our virtual board which has resources, tips, and stories that we hope you find both useful and inspiring. 

Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave. Sometimes people experience a significant disturbance in this mental functioning. A mental disorder may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person's ability to function. A mental health disorder may affect how well you:

• Maintain personal or family relationships

• Function in social settings

• Perform at work or school

• Learn at a level expected for your age and intelligence

• Participate in other important activities

Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role in defining mental health disorders. There is no standard measure across cultures to determine whether a behavior is normal or when it becomes disruptive. What might be normal in one society may be a cause for concern in another. (Mayo Clinic, 2021)