May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health America, its affiliates, and other advocates from around the country have celebrated Mental Health Month every May since 1949. During this month, we reach millions of people with messages of and resources for health and hope. Mental Health America of Licking County (MHALC) is proud to be affiliated with the national organization that started this tradition. And we’re just as proud that it has been embraced so universally.

2015’s Mental Health Month theme is “B4Stage4”. Here’s why: Mental health concerns are no different from any other physical health concerns. They should be thought about and treated the same way – long before they reach Stage 4.

Mental Health America of Licking County dedicates itself to overall wellness including mental health. We work for prevention for all; for early identification and intervention for those at risk; for integrated health, behavioral health and other services for those who need them; and for recovery as a goal. For too long, mental health issues have not been framed this way. Instead, too many people have been trapped in Stage 4 thinking about them. They wait until after a crisis – until someone is a danger to themselves or others – before they act. This is wrong. We don’t do this for cancer, heart disease or diabetes. We shouldn’t do it for mental health concerns either.

So this May, we’re asking everyone to help us turn the attention of our nation upstream – before mental health concerns become mental health crises. That’s really what acting before Stage 4 is all about. Contact MHALC at 740-522-1341 or mhalc@alink.com for information to help a friend or a loved one with mental health issues. Go to www.mhalc.org for free online mental health screenings. Let us know if you would like to participate in a Mental Health First Aid training or if your organization or company would like a presentation on any mental health issue. 

Penny Sitler

Executive Director

Mental Health America of Licking County