PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured above is the Mental Health Awareness Month’s graphic.

Mental Health Awareness Month is May 1 to May 31. May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. According to Centerstone.org, nearly one in five adults and one in six youth in America lives with a mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and less than two-thirds of them receive treatment. 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment. 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14.

Mental health struggles are more common than you think, so that is why it is crucial to have a month just to bring awareness to it. Mental Health Awareness Month provides a timely reminder that mental health is essential and that those living with mental health issues are deserving of care, understanding, compassion, and pathways to hope, healing, recovery, and fulfillment.

The four types of mental illnesses are anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. The exact cause of most mental disorders is not known, but research suggests that a combination of factors, including heredity, biology, psychological trauma, and environmental stress, might be involved. The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness. Wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health.

We decided to talk to some students here from Central Mountain, Ashton Peters and Lela Vanartsdalen, about their thoughts on mental health awareness. Lela was able to tell us that she thinks mental health awareness month is important because “there are so many kids suffering with it. It is good to be aware of what is going on with you, and to have others know what is going on.”

Ashton told us that they both celebrated mental health awareness by “having the walk here at Central Mountain and creating posters with mental health quotes.” Lola then added that they “have gotten the idea from a school in Scranton and saw an article about the school doing a walk for mental health awareness.”

When asked if their walk was a success, they both responded with “yes, it was very successful.” Top it off, Ashton said that the day of the walk was, “an awesome day, it was nice and sunny.”

There are many ways you can help spread awareness on mental health. It could be as little as sharing a post or even creating your own walk at your school, but right now is the time to do something about it. The only way to help the situation is to bring awareness to it so people can come together and help minimize the issue. If you are struggling with mental health do not be afraid to reach out. If your friend or a loved one is struggling, do not be afraid to offer them help. No one is alone when struggling with their mental health.