Mental health disorders affect people worldwide. The mental health awareness month movement aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health so that anyone suffering can find the support, mental health therapist, and health resources they need. While this month is officially in May, there is no better time than the present to discuss options available for someone currently suffering with mental health issues.

Why is Mental Health Important?

What is mental health? This term describes anyone’s mental health condition, whether they’re suffering mental health issues, mental illnesses, substance use disorders, or anything in-between. Your mental health affects all aspects of life and those around you.

Raising awareness of each mental health issue helps people understand how to manage their symptoms and improve. For example, if you learned how to prevent suicide during mental health awareness month, you could use this knowledge to support a friend.

Finding information on topics like “what are the key signs of stress affecting mental health?” could also help you manage triggers in your life.

Common Issues That People Deal With Regardless of Their Mental Health Conditions

You don’t have to have a diagnosed mental illness to need mental health help. Supporting mental health awareness means learning about the common symptoms and issues people deal with regularly. Learning the following signs can help you know what to look out for in friends and family so you can support them.

1. Stress
2. Abuse
3. Bullying
4. Feeling sad
5. Grief
6. Loneliness
7. Relationship trauma
8. Self-harm
9. Gender and sexuality mental health challenges
10. Suicidal thoughts
11. COVID-19
12. Physical health problems associated with depression
13. Anxiety disorder
14. Major depression
15. Bipolar disorder
16. Substance use disorder
17. Negative body image
18. Eating Disorder

Who to Call When Dealing with a Mental Health Crisis

1. National Suicide Prevention Line:
   • Dial 988
2. Georgia Crisis & Access Line: Providing behavioral health support
   • (800)-715-4225
3. Crisis Text Line: Offering mental health counselor services
   • Text 741741 for mental health support
4. Veterans Crisis Line: Supporting veteran mental health
   • Call 1-800-273-8255 for mental health services
   • Text 83825
5. The Trevor Project: Supporting youth LGBQ mental health
   • Text 678678 for youth mental health care from a trained crisis counselor

More places to find human services support and behavioral health equity information:

1. Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org/finding-help
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org/Home
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov/
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm

The Keener Law Firm: Supporting Mental Health Awareness Month and Anyone Suffering From a Mental Illness

Because mental health is such a common diagnosis throughout the United States, the Social Security Administration is willing to hear your particular case and determine whether or not you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. Are you or a loved one unable to support the family because of mental health? Give us a call at 770-955-3000 or visit us online at www.KeenerLaw.com. Here at The Keener Law Firm, we will meet with you for a FREE thirty-minute consultation to see what is going on. At that time, we will work with you to help you get the benefits that you deserve.