We’re spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Established in 1949, this observance focuses on the importance of mental health and reducing the stigma around mental health conditions and concerns.
At some point in their lives, 46% of Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition. This can include your family and friends, your co-workers, your neighbors and even you. Yet people often don’t get the help they need. This is why talking about mental health is so important.
What is mental health?
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of mental well-being that helps people
- cope with the stresses of life
- realize their abilities
- learn well and work well and
- contribute to their community.
It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being, and it affects how we think, feel and act. Mental health impacts how we relate to others, handle stress and whether we make healthy choices.
What causes mental health conditions?
There is no single cause for a mental health condition. But these factors can contribute to the risk for mental health conditions and concerns
- experiences that caused trauma
- biological factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain
- feelings of loneliness or isolation
- drug or alcohol use and
- ongoing chronic medical conditions, like cancer or diabetes.
Let’s talk about mental health
One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is to talk about mental health.
Take the time to connect with those close to you and share how you’re feeling. Be sure to check on your family and friends. While it may appear someone is doing well, they could be struggling emotionally. Show your support by talking with them directly. Sometimes, just being there and listening is enough to help someone before they reach a breaking point.
The more we discuss how we’re feeling and our mental health, the more normal these conversations can become. So, speak up and speak frequently. And remember, just as you’d seek treatment for your physical health, it’s equally important to do the same for your mental health.
Available resources
Have you visited the Mental Health Resources page on PASSport? It has free resources, including tips and screenings through Mental Health America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being. If you’re enrolled in our BCBS PPO Plan, you can talk with a licensed mental health therapist on an internet-connected device for just $25 per visit through Amwell telehealth.
