Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2012

The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.  United Way of North Central Iowa and TeenScreen Schools and Communities are calling on the communities we serve to the help the 1 in 4 American adults, 1 in 6 American children and the 1 in 3 American teenagers living with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition. 

In order to help, consider a challenge to educate yourself and others on the facts of mental health.  By learning the facts, we help to reduce or get rid of the stigma that mental illness creates.  Iowans are known for advocating and helping others.  We never back away from challenges. 

Here are some of the facts:

• Mental illness is a disorder of the brain, your body's most important organ.
• Mental illnesses are treatable, allowing individuals to lead full and productive lives.
• Fifty percent of individuals living with mental illness never get treatment because of the stigma, lack of information, cost or lack of insurance.

Observe My Mental Health Day - Saturday, May 26th.  What will you do for your own mental health?