Mental Health Awareness Month sheds light on challenges faced by millions of Americans

Infographic showing statistics on mental illness prevalence in the U.S. and ways to seek help, including percentages for anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
Courtesy of National Alliance on Mental Health

From children to seniors, all facets of our community face a variety of mental health challenges:  anxiety about school – for parents and children; depression; grief after the loss of a loved one; or post-traumatic stress disorder following a life-altering event are just a few of the scenarios that can cause life-altering mental health concerns.

In data compiled by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), depression and substance abuse – two of the most common mental health conditions – are estimated to make up 16% of mental health illnesses in adults. An additional 19% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders.

To address these challenges, NAMI designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month to encourage people to take action, raise a voice and help change the conversation around mental health.

And speaking up is an important part of getting help, because you are not alone.

According to NAMI, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness and one in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental health condition. In Estes Park, that would equate to approximately 1,013 people 18 or older who experience some form of mental illness.

For children, NAMI estimates that 17% of youth ages 6 to 17 experience some form of mental health disorder. For Estes Park children, that means as many as 100 children feel some form of mental health stressors.

During the course of May, Estes Park Health will provide ideas, suggestions and tips for how you can seek help, find ways to reduce stress and how to identify the warning signs of mental illness.

We will post on our social media pages (facebook.com/estesparkhealth and LinkedIn) and share ways to advocate for change in media outlets.

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, including trauma, anxiety and stress.

Be a part of the conversation and help our community refocus, recharge and nurture our mental health. Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal and supporting the community creates a movement of connection that can benefit all.

If you are experiencing any signs of a mental health condition, call 911 in an emergency or schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to start the conversation.