Why Mental Health Awareness is important?

Since 1949, May has been known as Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year, when May is over, I
wonder why we’re not encouraged to be aware of our mental health all year, every year, just as we are
for our so-called physical health. Given all we know about the effects of anxiety and depression on our
bodies and immune systems, this question is vital. As Harvard Health pointed out in 2008, “Anxiety has
now been implicated in several chronic physical illnesses, including heart disease, chronic respiratory
disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions.” These conditions are no joke, so why don’t we take mental
health more seriously?

The answer, in part, can be a lack of understanding and sometimes fear. Both are reflected in the way
we routinely belittle mental health, as part of our daily lexicon. How many times have you heard “I
literally had a panic attack”, “She’s so bipolar”, or “He’s a little OCD, ha ha”? If you’ve never struggled
with a mental health issue, you may not give these phrases a second thought. Those who do struggle,
can get the message to battle in silence, given a lack understanding and compassion for their situation.
This is particularly true of the most vulnerable in our midst, teens and tweens, who are often dealing
with emerging mental health disorders.

Two of my adolescent clients with OCD, recently shared frustration about their Health Classes, in
separate schools. Both teachers initiated discussions about people who are “a little OCD.” These
conversations lacked any clinical information about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For these clients,
OCD meant twice the time to complete homework, up at night cleaning the house, and disturbing,
unwanted thoughts of harm coming to their parents. Their teachers missed a valuable opportunity for
kids to learn about the true complexities of a mental health issue. This type of casual discussion can
reinforce the notion that these are not serious concerns, with possible physical ramifications, if left
untreated.

Just as we seem immune to comments about OCD, we can be equally detached from commonplace
phrases like “worry wart”, “wallflower” and “scaredy cat.” All of which minimize the effects of living
with untreated Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Specific Phobias. When
we trivialize these issues, we throw them in the category of personality traits, to the realm of annoying
quirks, without the possibility of change, rather than life altering issues, that are highly treatable with
the proper help.

As mental health professionals, individuals who fight every day to manage symptoms, and those who
love and support them, we can work to slowly turn the tide. By sharing with people, we trust. By
gently, and thoughtfully educating our doctors, teachers, spiritual leaders, family and friends, we can
make those around us more sensitive, and aware, all year round, of the importance of how we all talk
about mental health, and how critical it is to our health in general, mind, body and spirit.