The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is inviting people to pledge to help make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone during Mental Health Awareness Month, noting that nearly 30 million people across the U.S. don’t have access to affordable, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” reminds us that mental wellbeing is not a solo journey.
What the National Council Does
The National Council’s over 3,200 member organizations serve more than 15 million adults, children and families nationwide with a comprehensive array of mental health, substance use and social services. The organization advocates for effective public policy, works to ensure mental health and substance use care organizations can meet community needs, and addresses workforce and leadership development challenges. They provide training in Mental Health First Aid and support the behavioral health field through webinars, virtual training, white papers and toolkits.
How to Help
People don’t need to be mental health or substance use care professionals to make mental wellbeing a reality for their families, friends and neighbors. Steps include staying informed by learning about what’s happening in mental health care, advocating by lending your voice to help lawmakers understand the value of mental health in your neighborhood or state, committing to self-care, and building skills by starting caring conversations and reducing stigma with Mental Health First Aid skills. Already a First Aider? The organization encourages becoming an Instructor to help build healthier, more caring communities.
Historical Context
Mental Health America established Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. As reflected in Mental Health First Aid training, everyone can help someone going through a rough time — not just mental health professionals, but as a friend or family member. Mental wellbeing is a state of thriving and the foundation of living a strong, healthy and fulfilling life.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/mental-wellbeing-reality-everyone-everywhere/