WiNK

by: Molly Clark

Each year nearly 53 million Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) joins the global movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Mental illnesses are very common in the United States. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. This statistic does not take into account the millions who do not speak up about their mental illness and fight it alone.

Suicidal ideation continues to increase among adults in the U.S.; 4.58% of adults report having thoughts of suicide, and a increase of 664,000 people from last year's statistics. The rate of suicidal ideation among adults has increased every year since 2011-2012. Over 2.5 million youth in the U.S. have severe depression, and multiracial youth are at greatest risk. 10.6% of youth in the U.S. have severe major depression (depression that severely affects functioning).

Over half of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment causing over 27 million adults in the U.S. who are going untreated and over 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. Even in states with the top resources, nearly one in three are going without mental health treatment.

Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives. The mental health crisis has worsened over the years due the struggles our world has gone through regarding social media and a worldwide pandemic. Our society has to work extra hard to mend and repair citizens' mental wellness after such a hopeless time our world went through. Resources such as SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Wooster has also provided multiple mental health help resources. Wooster provides our community with a school psychologist, emotionally supportive teachers, emotional wellness programs, and an overall safe environment to express vulnerability in. Woosters' Equity and Justice club is working to spread mental health awareness this month so keep a look out for mental health awareness activities around campus throughout this month.

If you or anyone you know is struggling please do not hesitate to reach out. The link below provides resources for mental health support and assistance. Ms.Cordido's office is also open to anyone who needs it and is located on the first floor of the Middle School building.

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help