APRIL 2022
Mental Health Awareness Month 2022
With mental health entering more and more of our daily conversations, it’s critical that everyone has a solid foundation of knowledge about mental health. That’s why for Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is getting back to basics.
From social determinants of health to genetics, many factors are in play when it comes to mental health conditions, but there are protective measures that can prevent mental health conditions from developing or keep symptoms from becoming severe. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, with symptoms starting by age 24 for the majority of people.
Mental Health America’s 2022 Mental Health Month toolkit provides free, practical resources to introduce mental health topics like recognizing warning signs, knowing the factors that can lead to mental health conditions, maintaining mental wellness, and seeking help for mental health.
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board hosted Be Seen with Green to help raise awareness for mental health this month! We asked public officials, businesses, schools, churches, and our communities to show their green starting on May 9th. Some of the ways people were invited to Be Seen with Green were:
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Wear your green t-shirts & wristbands
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Light the outside of your business in green
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Have special green items for sale
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Tie a green ribbon to your home mailbox
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Put green string lights on trees
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And any other way to be seen with green!
We also asked participants to share their photos with green to our Facebook event discussion.
The support for mental health awareness has been amazing! We've been sharing photos showing off your green most of the month. Other agencies and community members are still sending in their photos for Be Seen with Green. If you haven't yet, there's still time!
Drop them in the discussion of the Be Seen with Green Facebook event at bit.ly/BeSeenwithGreen.
Photos from Be Seen with Green
These can also be viewed on our Facebook and Instagram @wecarepeople
If you are in crisis call 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) or text 741 741.