Nearly 40 percent of individuals in America will reportedly develop a form of mental health illness, according to data gathered by the National Institute on Mental Health from a previous study.
If left untreated, conditions can lead to more pressing issues as an adolescent transitions into adulthood. From problems in school, to layoffs at work, to possible incarcerations - these are the situations that could arise from a person suffering from mental illness.
Unfortunately, mental health isn't given the same attention as other diseases like cancer, diabetes or heart problems. But raising awareness will hopefully bring to light the dangers of this curable disease. All around the country, different organizations are mounting various awareness campaigns this May, in observance of Mental Health Awareness month.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is kicking off with a day of observance on Thursday, May 7, followed by activities that involve streaming events, social media campaigns, webinars and dialogues with the experts at high school communities.
In Idaho, a 5k marathon will be held on Saturday, May 9, with more than 200 participants expected to attend.
"It is family oriented and it educates people about mental health awareness and the stigma that goes along with it," Jamie Stroud, the organizer of the event, told KMVT.
In Illinois, the Transitions of Western Illinois is also observing Mental Health Awareness month by providing skills training and special education to its members, Connect Tristates reported. Transitions, which has been in operation for 18 years, helps thousands of children and adults diagnosed with mental illness.
The NARSAD Grants is also raising awareness by launching a campaign called #ScienStopsStigma and #MFMonth2015, according to Adweek. The group will be posting mental health facts and other information on their social media accounts for the whole month. The goal of this campaign is to "achieve broad social media interaction by asking people to like, share and comment on these posts. By spreading the word about the importance of brain science research we hope to help remove stigma from mental illness." Social media users are encouraged to participate using the hashtags.
Butte County Library in Michigan will be conducting mental health awareness presentations for the whole month, as reported on Uncover Michigan. It will center on discussions with individuals who have had bouts with the illness. The coordinators, through Jeremy Wilson of the Mental Health Services Act, are hoping people will come to sit down, listen and join in the conversations.
Mental illness, however, is a glaring problem that affects other countries, as well. The condition is one of the two "largest health problem of citizens," according to the World Health Organization, and raising awareness is one way of preventing this disease from escalating.
