Create a Brighter Future

By Joei Shaller

 

 

 

 

It’s the month to love yourself!

The month of May is National Mental Health Month, started by Mental Health America in 1949. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and educate everyone about mental illnesses, the truth behind living with these serious conditions, and ways to attain good mental health and wellness.

Another aim is to bring attention to the topic of suicide, which may be precipitated by some mental illnesses. Additionally, they are trying to reduce the stigma that surrounds the conditions.

Know the Facts

What is a mental disorder? A mental disorder is a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. About 20% of teens and 18.2% of adults suffer from a mental disorder severe enough to impact daily activities, either currently or at some point in their lives. Thanks to organizations like the National Council for Behavioral Health there is help, whether it is someone taking the time to listen to people’s problems or sending others on the right path.

“There is no health without mental health,” according to David Satcher, former Surgeon General of the United States.

Stay Positive

Don’t wait on a brighter and happier future. True happiness can only come from yourself. Take the time every day to love and appreciate everything that you have and everything that you are. You will always be more than the negative comments you will or have received. You are a beautiful person, never let someone’s words, as hurtful as they may be, bring you down.

As a society we should be building each other up instead of breaking each other down. Race, sexuality, religion, and gender shouldn’t define how we treat each other. At the end of the day we are all human.

We all breathe, we all bleed, and we all deserve to feel love and experience happiness. Opinions, stereotypes, and negativity need to be put to the side while humane acts come forward.

National Behavioral Organizations

• The American Psychiatric Association
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• The National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems
• The National Alliance on Mental Health
• American Psychological Association
• The Joint Commission
• Parity Implementation Coalition
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK [8255]

Sources: Mental Health America, National Council for Behavioral Health, and Wikipedia.