Mental Health Awareness Month The month of May is Mental Health
Awareness Month, which raises awareness about mental health and
mental illness. During Mental Health Awareness Month,
physicians, counselors, social workers and the families of those
suffering from anxiety, depression, addictions and numerous
other mental disorders work to help the general public
understand the affects of mental health on society. According to
the National Institute of Mental Health (2009), 1 in 17 people
have a diagnosed mental health condition. Additionally, in these
difficult economic times, more Americans are reporting clinical
symptoms. According to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
(2009), at the end of 2008, 58% of Americans reported mental
health symptoms. This number represents an increase of 22
million more people than the number reported from the beginning
of the year. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index provides the
authoritative measure of health and wellness in the United
States. A variety of ways to become invo