
It’s impossible to talk about health and wellness without addressing mental health. In the United States, nearly one in five adults experiences a mental illness or mental health condition. That’s approximately 52 million people.
However, mental health isn’t just about having or not having a mental illness. Our well-being is influenced by every aspect of our lives and, in turn, affects how we experience life, work, and time with our loved ones. Now, more than ever, conversation is crucial. In 2021, the general mood of the year was one of sluggishness. BetterUp’s research found that over 55% of workers weren’t mentally ill but weren’t thriving either.
As the pandemic has brought physical health into sharp focus, it’s time to consider other critical components of well-being. Conversations about mental health awareness have never been more public, widespread, or important. After all, raising awareness is a key part of learning how to care for your mental health.
In this article, learn what mental health awareness is and how it can make a difference in your personal and professional life.
What is Mental Health Awareness
So, what does mental health awareness mean, and how do you promote it?
Mental health awareness is an ongoing effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health conditions by sharing personal experiences.
Often, due to misconceptions about mental health and wellness, people suffer in silence, and their conditions go untreated. Mental health awareness is a vital social movement aimed at improving understanding and increasing access to healthcare.
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**How Can Mental Health Awareness Help?**
Mental health awareness is essential for promoting mental health treatment and behavioral health. It’s a necessary and foundational conversation for shifting toward a more proactive model of mental health.
Currently, we only refill our tanks when they’re “empty.” Raising awareness helps us recognize symptoms and signs when we feel “off”—just as we do with physical illness.
Here are four key benefits of mental health awareness: