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Is it just me or does it seem like every other month, day, or week is dedicated to some cause, demographic, or population? It’s really hard to keep up with them all, especially with so many being as trivial as Lee National Denim Day or National Sibling Day. Despite some over-saturation, there are observances you should know about that concern mental health.
The subject of mental illness has lost some stigma but is not something a lot of people like talking about - despite the fact that nearly 1 and 5 adults in the U.S. have a diagnosable mental health condition [1]. Chances are you’ve heard of at least one mental health observance like Suicide Prevention Month in September. This blog will highlight a few mental health observances you may not know exist, including October 2021.
Did you know the entire month of October is dedicated to ADHD Awareness? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that does not have a cure. Nevertheless, ADHD can be treated with psychotropic medications and/or psychotherapy. Symptoms of ADHD typically appear between the ages of 3-6 and can persist throughout adolescence and adulthood [2].
Additional mental health observances for October and November 2021 include:
October 3-9th: "Mental Health Awareness Week"
October 5th: "National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding"
October 7th: "National Depression Screening Day"
October 10th: "World Mental Health Day"
November 6th: "International Stress Awareness Day"
November 21st: "Internal Survivors of Suicide Day"
Some other mental health observances you might not know to exist throughout the year include:
July: "National Minority Mental Health Month"
June: "PTSD Awareness Month"
April: "Autism Awareness Month"
May: "Mental Health Awareness Month" & "Borderline Personality Disorder Month"
As you can see, there are quite a few mental health observances. In order to continue to destigmatize the conversation around mental health, we must continue to spread awareness and talk about it. If you or anyone you know may be living with a mental health condition, go get screened. If you live in the Charlotte area, you can set up an initial assessment with a Behavioral Health Counselor at Reserve Health, PC 704-626-3994. If you’re having a mental health emergency, contact your local mobile crisis center (each county in North Carolina has one). Or, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA)
National Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - its confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year.
For Mental Health Emergencies
Crisis Solutions NC - County Directory
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