A little history on origins of Mental Health Awareness Month…
Mental Health Month is an annual event in May started by Mental Health America in 1949. Mental Health America is a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health education and advocacy. Their initiative each year in May is part of an overall campaign to elminate the stigma historically associated with mental health and increase role of mental health and emotional well-being when we talk about wellness and health. This year, they are addressing these important issues through two themes:
Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and help those folks realize that they can live full and productive lives with the support and understanding of many. For more information, download the Do More For 1in4 Toolkit.
The second theme, Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds, focuses on the impact of traumatic events on individuals, their families, and our communities. We talk often on this blog and in our office about diverse issues that create trauma in the lives of so many. Download the Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds Toolkit and find out more about the lingering effects that trauma can cause and the many effective ways to go from surviving trauma to thriving in life.
And here’s where we fit in…
This month GTA will be partnering with many worthy organizations to offer free resources focused on highlighting the role mental health plays in helping you find your happiest, healthiest life! We kicked things off with the 2012 DC Fit Week Total Fitness Symposium on May 1 in Cleveland Park. It was a wonderful open discussion with experts in all areas of wellness from finance to fitness to family and we were honored to be part of it. We hope to have some video clips to share very soon.
Later this month we will be hosting several workshops at the Sport and Health Club in Gainesville focused on integrating mental health and physical health. We love talking about the mind/body connection and helping people create and commit to healthy changes in their life. We are going to talk about stress management, finding your motivation, and making healthy habits a part of your family’s everyday life. Stay tuned for more details and a chance to sign up.
And of course there will be blog posts from our therapists on the simple, yet effective ways in which you can bring a little more attention to your mental health and the powerful impact that can have.