Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

“During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor the absolute courage of the tens of millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, and we celebrate the loved ones and mental health professionals who are there for them every day.  Treatment works, and there is no shame in seeking it.  Together, we will keep fighting to get everyone access to the care they need to live full and happy lives.” Presidential Briefing April 28, 2023

Here are some facts about Mental Health you might find interesting:

  1. More than 50 million Americans struggle with mental illness.
  2. 1 in 5 young people (age 13-18) has or will develop a mental illness in their lifetime.
  3. Youth depression rates have risen from 12.9% to 25.2% from pre-pandemic to 2021. Depression symptoms can impact performance in school and interfere with personal relationships.
  4. Most Americans lack access to adequate mental health treatment. 54.7% of American adults with mental illness did not receive care in the last year.
  5. Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income. A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
  6. Many factors contribute to the development of a mental health condition, including life experiences (such as trauma or a history of abuse), biological factors, and family history of mental illness.
  7. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Members of LGBTQ+ community are almost 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder.
  8. Common signs of mental health issues include: extreme mood swings, changes in eating habits, excessive worrying or fear, problems concentrating, and avoiding friends or social activities.
  9. 1/2 of all mental illnesses show early signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 3/4 of mental illnesses begin before age 24.
  10. More than 1 in 4 adults living with serious mental illnesses also struggles with substance abuse.

Mental health plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Here at Voices of Hope, our mission is to advocate for those suffering from mental health disorders and specifically substance abuse disorder.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health disorder, or substance abuse disorder, call our Cecil Community Recovery Center at 443-993-7055.