MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

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Mental health tips at a glance

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Millions of people in the United States deal with mental health disorders each year, with one in 5 people being affected by a disorder at some point in their life. Yet less than half receive help. Though the stigma surrounding mental health has improved, it still prevents people from getting the treatment they need today.

According to recent studies, adults between the ages of 18 to 25 make up the highest percentage of people struggling with mental illness, but compared to other age groups, they also report the lowest rates of seeking treatment. Many people feel their mental health is not as important as their physical health or feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they have a mental problem. As a result, some ignore their mental health concerns while others try to treat their symptoms by themselves.

Read more about mental health and the need to break the stigma surrounding seeking treatment.

ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH

Nearly 40 percent of individuals with substance use disorders also experience mental health conditions. 
 
Gateway Foundation Aurora’s Executive Director, Jim Scarpace penned an op-ed on how co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are a community issue.
 

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH? 
• Spend time with friends and loved ones.
• Dedicate some time to activities you enjoy – whether it’s going for a run or cozying up to read a book. (Need a book recommendation? Click here for our list!)
• Practice mindfulness. Activities such as yoga and meditation are common for mindfulness.
• Disconnect and enjoy some time away from technology

HOW CAN EMPLOYERS HELP?
• Promote on-site wellness activities
• Encourage work-life balance
• Open the lines of communication regarding mental health
• Make mental health in the workplace a priority
 
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH?
Listen to a special mental health episode of our The Crack in Everything podcast, which features a discussion behind the science of mental health with some experts in the field.
 
About Gateway Foundation

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