May is Mental Health Month
Annually in May, StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) joins forces with other mental health organizations to fight stigma, raise awareness, provide support and educate the community about the importance of mental health.
About Mental Health Month (MHM)
- Created by Mental Health America (MHA) and observed in the United States since 1949, MHM awareness and education efforts aim to communicate the importance of mental health to overall health and to provide individuals with information, practical tools and coping strategies around common struggles that affect mental health.
- During MHM StarCare reminds everyone that mental illnesses are real and recovery is possible.
- National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day – May 6 ~ Shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.
- Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day – May 20 ~ Aims to raise awareness of older adults’ mental health needs; to promote evidence-based prevention and treatment and recovery supports; and to encourage collaboration and share resources.
#Tools2Thrive
The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to accept tough situations that were out of anyone’s control. Challenges such as isolation, childcare, home-schooling, joblessness, loss of loved ones, working on the front lines and more have affected people’s mental health.
In fact, of the almost half-a-million individuals who took an anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, 79 percent showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety.
That’s why this MHM, StarCare is highlighting MHA’s #Tools2Thrive – what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID. Check out the fact sheets below:
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Learn More
Help us celebrate mental health and learn more from the resources below:
- COVID-19 Mental Health Resources – For healthcare professionals and the public, created by the Pan American Health Organization and other health organizations, including:
- Multilingual webinars
- Virtual courses
- Coping videos for parents and youth
- Postcards for social media
- Checkup from the Neck Up – A quick, free and confidential mental health screening.
- Like, share and comment on StarCare’s MHM social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
- Share posts and images from MHA’s Facebook page.
- Use hashtags #Tools2Thrive #MentalHealthMonth and #MHM2021.
- Share your mental illness story with NAMI to help others know they are not alone.
This MHM, let’s give others HOPE and HEALTH by showing it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and how to continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic.
