Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2023)

by Emily Allen LSW

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and 24-34 (CDC, 2022).

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age of 24 (NAMI, 2023).

1 in 5 U.S. adult experience mental illness (NAMI, 2023).

Do these statistics surprise you? These statistics show the reality of mental health conditions within the U.S. population. May is Mental Health Awareness month and as a mental health provider, it is important to me that mental health conditions continue to be normalized all throughout the year, not just the month of May.

Mental health conditions continue to hold stigma, shame, and guilt for many. Negative perceptions and beliefs can hold you back from seeking the support that you need. You are not alone.

Common warning signs of mental health symptoms may include (but not limited to):

Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Significant changes in appetite and/or weight
Sudden fear, racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing
Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others

Risk factors to be aware of:

Social isolation
Economic decline
Family stressors
New or worsening mental health symptoms
Disruptions at work and/or school
Racial/ethnic groups disproportionately affected (suicide rates in 2020 were highest among persons who were non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native)
Sex (males experience higher suicide rates than did females during 2019-2020)

Suicide is preventable. Seek the support that you need. Check in on loved ones. Ask questions.

Everlasting Wellness LLC has therapists who specialize in mental health treatment and is accepting new clients. Taking the first step can feel scary and it can open the door for a beautiful journey of recovery. To reduce barriers to treatment, Everlasting Wellness accepts online bookings for ease, which can be accessible at https://everlastingwellnesscounseling.com/appointment-request/.

If you would like to learn more about my specialties, you can check out my bio at https://everlastingwellnesscounseling.com/staff/emily-lsw/. I have professional experience working with individuals who struggle with sadness, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, suicidality and/or self-harm. I have additional trainings in suicide prevention, trauma, and substance use.

Resources:

Holcomb Crisis 24/7 (Berks county residents): 610-379-2007

Access Services 24/7 (Montgomery county residents): 1855-634-4673

Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7: Call 988

Suicide Prevention webpage: https://sprc.org/

NAMI Helpline is available M-F 10am-101pm ET. Connect by phone 800-950-6264

NAMI webpage: https://nami.org/home

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Changes in suicide rates – United States, 2019 and 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7108a5.htm

NAMI (2023). Mental health by the numbers. https://nami.org/mhstats?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjMiiBhA4EiwAZe6jQ_mVHiFwOb1pyb3qIddLT8qQwLwQoGdAgHjiEMsaIasRKCNayilAXRoCEZoQAvD_BwE

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