May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month, and organizations around the world are sharing information about how to obtain and maintain good mental health.
Each year since 1949, Mental Health America and their affiliates have led observance of Mental Health Month. This includes release of an annual Mental Health Month toolkit, which you can download here. They also have a number of resources available on their Mental Health Month web page, this year focusing on “Look Around, Look Within – from your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to your mental health.”
In the toolkit, MHA places a focus on Social Determinants of Health — how many aspects of one’s life can affect their health, including mental health, that aren’t related to their genetic makeup. This can include things like:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the theme of More Than Enough — celebrating the inherent value of all people regardless of any mental health diagnosis, socioeconomic status, background, or ability.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a number of articles and resources available in recognition of Canada’s Mental Health Week (May 1-7) which are available here. Every May for the last 71 years, Canadians in communities, schools, workplaces and the House of Commons have rallied around CMHA Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is My Story. CMHA states:
Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all its forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma.
We hope during this Mental Health Month, our blog readers will take the time to engage with these and other mental health leaders to learn more and promote better mental health for all people.
Tags: cana, Canadian Mental Health Association, mental health, mental health am, Mental Health Month, NAMI, social determinants of health
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