This month, we encourage you to set aside time to think about your own mental health, as well as the mental health of those you care about.
We aren’t referring to chronic mental health disorders but rather to some of the more common forms of mental distress, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, that most of us experience at some point during our lifetime. This self-assessment includes taking stock of your physical health as well. Read more . . .
Did You Know?
• 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental health condition.
• 1 in 25 (10 million) adults in the United States lives with a serious mental illness.
• 60 million people in the United States face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental illness.
• Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24, but early intervention programs can help.
• African Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services at about half the rate of whites in the past year, and Asian Americans at about one-third the rate.
• 90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, but suicide is preventable.
• The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective. Between 70 and 90% of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with the right treatments and supports.
Mental Health Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Wellness Resources for COVID This can (is) a stressful time for our community. We want to ensure that people are practicing social distancing, working remotely if possible, protecting themselves and loved ones, reporting illness, and one often over-looked component. Managing your own personal health, wellness and anxiety during COVID-19 needs to be top of mind for all of us if we are to care for others and prepare for the future.
Students and Mental Health
Being a student can be stressful, and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in five youth aged 13–18 live with mental health conditions, and 75 percent of people with mental health issues develop them prior to the age of 24. Mental health conditions can feel debilitating and scary, making some individuals retreat inward rather than seek help. Read more . . .
Mental Health Resources
View local, state and national resources on our website. A weekly read (week four) from the Vermont Department of Mental Health during this mental health awareness month is a great way to take stock of your own mental health, and those around you.
Publications
View or download a copy of our Suicide Prevention booklet.
Videos
View our archived videos from Howard Center’s Community Education Series which feature topics such as suicide prevention, depression, mindfulness, and more.