Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality
#WorldMentalHealthDay
“Let others know there is hope and understanding. You can change the way the world sees mental health.” National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Stigma is defined as “a mark of shame or discredit.” Stigma can come from others and lead to discrimination, but it can also come from ourselves and lead to self-judgement and a reluctance to seek help or treatment. Millions of children and adults in the United States are affected by mental illness each year and the increased need for mental health awareness and support is clear. The 2021 State of Mental Health in America report found 1) youth mental health is worsening, 2) even before COVID-19 the prevalence of mental illness among adults was increasing, 3) suicidal ideation among adults is increasing, 4) there is still unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults and 5) the percentage of adults with a mental illness who are uninsured increased for the first time since the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Mental health matters…it cannot and should not be separated from our physical health. We all deserve to feel physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially well. So on this World Mental Health Day, whether you are someone diagnosed with a mental health disorder or you care about someone who is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, commit to learning more about the impact of mental health stigma and how to address it and sign the NAMI “StigmaFree” pledge to show your support.
* Immediate assistance is available for those in need of help by calling the NAMI Helpline at (800) 950-6264 or by texting “NAMI” to 741741 *