National Mental Health Month Is About Raising Awareness, Removing Stigmas

May is National Mental Health Month, with the theme "Get Connected." Mental Health America, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives, founded Mental Health Month more than 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental health for everyone.

Due to a long-standing stigma associated with mental health issues, the subject of mental health is still approached by many with fear and uneasiness, said Pamela Bezotte, Northwest Territory Coordinator for Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network of Minnesota (CSN). Her main focus with CSN is to help address issues that people from seeking supportive services by providing education, resource referral and addressing political challenges.

"There has been a lot of focus on health and ways to be healthy as of late spread throughout the media, and yet the topic of mental health can still provoke a "disconnect' or denial response in many," she wrote in an e-mail. "I have yet to meet one single human being who hasn't had a day in their lives where their mental health was not quite up to par. As with a physical illness, mental illness has a range of symptoms."

Bezotte said there's no on/off switch, but a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Mental health concerns are typically denied or ignored until things get to a point where they can no longer be ignored, similar to physical ailments.

"Physical illness left untreated for too long results in the need for more intensive treatment to fix the condition," she explained. "Unfortunately, the same is true for mental health issues. If addressed early on, mental health treatment may be of less intensity and of shorter duration. If left too long untreated, mental health issues can permeate many parts of a person's life and take much more time to repair or redirect."

CSN helps support those with mental health issues in their journey and recovery through self-help, education and advocacy, providing valuable resources for adults and children. Visit the organization's Website, www.mhcsn.org, or call Bezotte at (218) 333-0939 (Bemidji) for more information.

Getting connected

According to MHA, a recent national survey finds that one in three people in America are living with extreme stress. Social connectedness is an essential component of maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness. It suggests getting connected to: Family and friends to feel close and supported, your community to feel a sense of belonging and purpose, and to professional help to feel better when you're stressed and having trouble coping.

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance. For non-emergency professional help, contact local mental health care providers.