May is Mental Health Month.
Approximately 20 percent of Americans, almost 44 million, experience mental illness in a given year; almost 10 million have what is defined as a “serious” mental illness that can severely limit life’s activities. Mental illness affects people of all ages and can happen at any time throughout life. And untreated mental illness can result in health problems and unwanted stigma.
Mental Health Month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health while reducing the stigma often associated with mental health illness.
The Mental Health Association of Maryland has joined with thousands of organizations across the country in celebration of Mental Health Month through a variety of activities and outreach efforts. Here are some of the ways we did this in May.
A student, with her mom, displays her art work at a Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week event.
On May 6-12, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week was celebrated by thousands of Marylanders. More than 600 schools, health agencies, and other organizations came together to reduce stigma and raise awareness about children’s mental health. This year was the biggest yet and featured a host of activities such a flash mob, a student art show, and school events. To learn more, go here.
Governor Larry Hogan signed SB 977 | HB 1517 into law on May 15. The bill helps improve the delivery of mental health services to children.
MHAMD advocates at the state level for positive change in public policy to advance mental health. This legislative year was a huge success as the MHAMD-chaired Behavioral Health Coalition succeeded in achieving its goal for passage of legislation to improve access to mental health care for all Marylanders. See a summary of this legislation here.
MHAMD’s older adult program held a series of talks on mental health wellness at Baltimore County Public Libraries throughout the month. These topics ranged from how laughter can improve mental health to how mindfulness can positively affect mental and physical well-being.
Mental Health First Aid Maryland instructors in action
We also held classes in Mental Health First Aid to give ordinary people the skills to respond to a mental health emergency.
Finally, the dedicated professionals of our Consumer Quality Team trekked to mental health facilities throughout Maryland to get input from consumers on their mental health care.
Even though May is almost over, MHAMD will continue to raise awareness throughout the rest of the year. It’s not only our job, it’s our passion.
If you would like to know more about us, please follow our Twitter, Facebook, or this blog. We will be giving you more updates and ways you can join us!