Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness Month 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and support for individuals living with mental illness (CBS News). Across the United States, various campaigns and initiatives are taking place to educate the public and break the stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
One such effort is the #MoreThanEnough campaign launched by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), aiming to unite and empower the mental health community during this month-long observance (PR Newswire). Mental Health Awareness Month also encourages open lines of communication, ensuring individuals in the community have access to resources and support, as demonstrated through initiatives in York County (FOX43).
At the state level, Governor Mike Dunleavy recognized Mental Health Awareness Month, noting that one in 25 adults live with various mental health disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder (Governor Dunleavy). In Oklahoma, the state government described the month as a time for the community to come together to raise awareness and reduce stigma (city-sentinel.com).
In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, companies and organizations are also joining the cause. Enveric Biosciences, a biotechnology company, is celebrating and supporting mental health throughout May (Business Wire). Popular retailer L.L. Bean took a social media break to focus on raising awareness for mental health (News Center Maine). The company dedicated its social media space to providing expert resources, tips, and tools to help people prioritize time outside for their mental wellbeing.
Local nonprofits, such as those in Rochester, Minnesota, are also gearing up for Mental Health Awareness Month, marking the beginning of a month dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of mental health disorders (KIMT). As mental health continues to be an important topic of conversation worldwide, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial step forward in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing resources and support to those in need.
