Mental Health Awareness Month 2024

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. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.

Additionally, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Suicide has accounted for the loss of more than 45,979 American lives in 2020, nearly double the number of lives lost to homicide.

Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. In 2020, only 20% of adults received any mental health treatment in the past year, which included 10% who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

• Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
• Helping them access mental health services
• Help them learn self-care and coping techniques
• Learning and sharing facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true
• Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else
• Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy", instead use person-first language

Supportive families, communities, and resources can help youth build strong foundations for lifelong well-being.

• By teaching children and teens coping skills, we can empower them to take charge of their mental health.
• Know the signs of mental health issues in children and teens. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
• Start the conversation early: talking about mental health can help children and teens build coping skills and feel comfortable with their emotions.
• Nurturing relationships and environments are important for helping children and teens develop good mental health and manage life stressors in healthy ways.
• Good mental health increases the ability of children and teens to practice self-care and face challenges with resilience.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES TO CONTACT:

• Your health insurance carrier
• Your primary care physician
• Your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 800-950-6264

County Mental Health Services:

Butler County: Center for Community Resources

724-431-0095

https://ccrinfo.org/

24/7 Crisis Support: Text 988 or text 63288

Mercer County: Mercer County Behavioral Health

724-662-1550

http://www.mercercountybhc.org/

Lawrence County Human Services Center:

724-658-3578

https://humanservicescenter.net/

Need more information or resources? Feel free to contact the MIU IV Social Work Team!

Bryda Drumm, LSW, H&SV

Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW

Sara Joseph, LSW

socialwork@miu4.org