May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Thursday, May 1, 2014

 

Contributor: Peter C. Kelly, President & CEO at United Way Fox Cities

Every year millions of adults and children in this country experience severe episodes of schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder, or other mental illnesses. One in five families in the Fox Cities is affected directly or indirectly. These individuals frequently experience difficulty finding treatment and often suffer in silence due to embarrassment, fear, discrimination and the stigma that surrounds these illnesses. 

It doesn't have to be this way. Mental health is integral to our overall health… "no health without mental health." Everyone can take steps to protect and strengthen their minds and bodies.

May is mental health awareness month. It is a time to call attention to approaches that we can use to achieve wellness and overall good health. 

For more information on activities throughout the month of May contact the N.E.W. Mental Health Connection, NAMI Fox Valley or simply call United Way 2-1-1.