Mental Health Awareness Month
By Cecilia Schenking
As we begin May, enjoying the spring weather and all that comes with it, we recognize this month’s significance as Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, it is crucial to shine a light on mental health, to destigmatize conversations surrounding it, and to foster a culture of support and understanding.
Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. More than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, from stress and anxiety to depression and other mental health conditions. Around 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. This shows us that we need to commit ourselves to promoting mental well-being in our communities and supporting those who may be struggling.
If you are struggling with your mental well-being, please reach out for support. There are several resources readily available for those struggling. By coming together, we can raise awareness of this important issue and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Resources:
United States:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA
- Help for Mental Illnesses – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
Maryland:
- NAMI (namimd.org)
- Home – Pro Bono Counseling
- Mental Health Association of Maryland (mhamd.org)
- HOME | C & E Change (candechange.org)
Anne Arundel County:
- Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency | Anne Arundel Mental Health (aamentalhealth.org)
- Life of Joy Foundation, Inc.
Baltimore:
- Behavioral Health System Baltimore, Inc. – Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) (bhsbaltimore.org)
- Black Mental Health Alliance |
- HOPE Baltimore – Helping Other People Through Empowerment
- BCRI (bcresponse.org)
- Home – NAMI Metro Baltimore (namibaltimore.org)
Easton:
Frederick County:
- Home – Frederick County Mental Health Association (fcmha.org)
- Trauma Responsive Frederick – Trauma Informed Practice
- Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Hagerstown:
- Parents Against Depression (PAD)
- MABHA Announces the Appointment of Our Inaugural Executive Director
Harford County:
- Office on Mental Health | Spreading Hope in Harford (harfordmentalhealth.org)
- Home – Voices of Hope, Inc. (voicesofhopemaryland.org)
Howard County:
Rockville:
Silver Spring:
- Sante Group – Crisis Response – Treatment & Recovery Home (thesantegroup.org)
- Home – Resilience Across Borders
Towson: