MONTGOMERY, Ala. – When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, it can be an overwhelming feeling. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable, and there is help available. Information on local providers and mental health partners can be found on the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADPH) website.
May is National Mental Health Month, raising awareness about mental illness and related issues in the United States and in our state.
ADPH Commissioner Lynn Beshear said, “Stigma is the greatest challenge that we face surrounding mental health. Those with mental health challenges should be offered the same resources that anyone with a chronic or acute illness would be offered. We must educate and inform each other about mental health needs, resources, and showcase and applaud those in recovery.”
Many of the department’s providers will be hosting informational events designed to encourage a healthy mind and body, and offer important resources and information. Please contact your local mental health authority and partner agencies, such as National Association for Mental Illness Alabama, for more information. The ADPH will be hosting, along with the Montgomery Biscuits and local providers and partners, Strike Out Stigma Baseball Night on Wednesday, May 15 to offer frank information and resources on mental illness and substance.
Also, May 6-10 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to caring for the mental health needs of children, youth, and young adults, as well as their families.
Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by the ADPH partner, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. For more information on mental health resources in Alabama, visit www.mh.alabama.gov and Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
