To increase awareness and the importance of mental health, the month of May has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Illness is an Equal Opportunity Illness which does not discriminate by age, sex, race or creed. You can be rich, poor, undereducated, or hold a college degree. Those who may be affected by mental illnesses are our neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends. Some basic facts about mental illness include:
Many activities hosted by local and state-wide mental health organizations will be presented to heighten public awareness about mental illness. The week of May 3rd-9th is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, a time for communities to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. The theme for this year's national event on May 7, 2009 is “Thriving in the Community”, with a special emphasis on how high school youth who receive the services they need are more likely to have positive outcomes, such as better grades, and less likely to have negative outcomes, such as involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. It’s simple to identify children’s physical needs: nutritious food, clothing, a safe home, and adequate sleep. But a child’s mental health and emotional needs are often less obvious. Consequently, children’s mental health problems are often overlooked. Left untreated, these problems can lead to other issues such as school failure, behavioral problems, substance abuse or physical illness, and even suicide.
Talk to other families in your community or find a family network organization or support group. To continue to promote mental health awareness, a “Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes” Rally is planned at the state Capitol. Many of our legislators will join over 1,500 advocates from each of Michigan’s 83 counties for the event. The walk will take place on May 12, 2008 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. To help showcase the importance of addressing issues facing people with disabilities, participants will walk a symbolic mile and meet at the front steps of the Capitol to provide statements on mental health, developmental disabilities, and services available locally throughout Michigan.
In Michigan, one in five adults will experience a mental disorder at some point in their life. Those who suffer from mental illness do not have to be limited by their illness. With the right balance of services and support, achievements are endless. Persons with mental illness are individuals who contribute greatly to our lives and society and we can all learn from their challenges and achievements.
Gratiot County Community Mental Health Services offers a wide variety of services for persons with mental illness, severe emotional disorders or developmental disabilities. If you or someone you know could benefit from services, or you would like additional information about the agency or services offered, please call (989) 463-4971.