Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Where Do We Start?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental well-being for ourselves and others. This year’s theme, “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” acknowledges the challenges we face in a rapidly changing environment.

Why Does Mental Health Awareness Matter?

Despite progress, many Americans lack access to quality mental health care. Here are some sobering statistics:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
• Only 47.2% received treatment in 2021.
• Nearly 1 in 2 Americans with mental illness don’t receive treatment (Mental Health America).

This month, NAMI’s #takethemoment campaign encourages open conversations, empathy, and access to resources. RCDS is proud to stand with NAMI in supporting mental health for all.
Here’s how you can make a difference: Start a conversation: Talk openly about mental health with friends and family. These numbers highlight the critical need for increased awareness and access to resources.

How Can You Get Involved?

1. Take a Free Mental Health Screening:

The Mental Health America Screening provides a quick, free, and anonymous way to assess potential symptoms.

Take a Mental Health Test

2. Learn and Empower Yourself:

Source: MHA

3. Get Trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA):

This valuable course teaches you to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health conditions. Learn more at [link to MHFA website].

4. Raise Your Voice:

Four Ways Forward for Mental Health is an invitation for you to take action through four key avenues.

By:

1. Raising Your Voice
2.  Prioritizing Your Self-Care
3.  Celebrating Mental Wellbeing
4. Being The Difference

You can make a positive impact on your own mental health as you help advance awareness in your community. Learn more. 

5. Take Care of Yourself:

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Here are some simple tips for self-care:

• Practice gratitude.
• Use positive affirmations.
• Stay connected with loved ones.
• Prioritize sleep and hydration.
• Take breaks from technology.

Where to Find Help:

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Here are some resources:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text: 988 (24/7) | Chat Available |
  • 988 Lifeline Options For Deaf + Hard of Hearing
    For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
  • 988 Videophone available  for Deaf/HoH American Sign Language Users. 

• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (LGBTQ+ youth crisis support): Our trained counselors understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face and are available for support 24/7. They will listen without judgment. When text, chat, or call, all of your conversations are confidential, and you can share as much or as little as you’d like.
  • Call:  1-866-488-7386
  • Text ‘START’ to 678-678

• FindTreatment.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov/
• National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Brevard County Resources:

Visit our Resources Page to find crisis and mental health support or call RCDS at 321-633-6011 to speak with an independent living specialist who can connect you with local services.

Let’s work together to create a world where everyone has access to the mental health support they need. Together, we can make a difference!

Download the image below to save in case you or

someone you know is going through a mental health crisis.