Since 1949, May is Mental Health Month – #4Mind4Body
World Economic Forum – The global cost of mental health condition is projected a rise to $6 trillion by 2030, from $2.5 trillion as of 2010, according to a study published by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health. That would make the cost of poor mental health greater than that of cancer, diabetes, and respiratory ailments combined. While mental health-related issues continue to have a serious impact on productivity and economic well-being, opportunities to improve awareness, analysis, and treatment abound.
May the Force Be With You
Help Break The Stigma.
Mental illness is a global problem. More than 300 million people, 4.4% of the world’s population, suffer each year. Despite the apparent prevalence of mental health issues, stigma and a variety of other barriers continue to block thousands of people from receiving the mental health care they need. It is estimated that mental health conditions will affect a staggering one in four people at some time in their lives.
Help Raise Awareness.
This year’s awareness month will promote a variety of ways to nourish mental health, including through social connection, leisure time, and therapeutic animal companionship. Participate in the mental health conversation on social media by using the hashtags #4Mind4Body.
Help A Friend.
What can you do today? Start by being empathic, by getting back touch with a friend, by being close to a person who is suffering, by offering to listen to a coworker, or help break the silence simply with your presence. Just be there. Stopping stigma means reducing shame, and when even one person is open about their experience, others may realize they are not alone and that there is no shame in seeking help.
Help Promote Emotional Health.
Maintaining healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle are some effective ways to promote better emotional health and well-being. Emotional support animals may help people recover from trauma as well as cope with a variety of other mental health symptoms. Keeping close, affectionate relationships is another way to boost brain health. And some research suggests that making leisure time a priority may increase one’s likelihood of having good mental health.
Angela Maria Carlucci
Links:
World Economic Forum
Check out my article on LinkedIn
Angela is a Multilingual Communications Professional | Writer & Speaker | Managing Director | Entrepreneur
“Inspiring and empowering people is what I love doing, for I firmly believe everyone deserves to feel great at any time. Communication is my passion.” You can find her on Twitter @angelacarlucci