May is Mental Health Awareness Month

2 Min Read

May 12, 2023

By

Kansas Health Institute

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an annual campaign that was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For the past 20 years, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has recognized MHAM annual to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.

KHI is focused on the health of Kansans and supports the national Mental Health Awareness Month campaign. Throughout the month of May, we’ll share messages here and on our social media channels to highlight some of our recent work on mental health.

A Kansas Twist: Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health encompasses various aspects of our overall well-being, including emotions, psychology and social interactions. Our mental health profoundly affects how we think, feel and ultimately act – influencing our ability to handle stress, maintain relationships and make choices. While genetic factors play a role, environmental influences and personal experiences also significantly affect our mental health. In the United States, approximately one-in-five adults is affected by a mental health condition.

Mental health conditions are diagnosed on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. Discussions around generalized anxiety, which is a common mental health condition, may differ from discussions concerning those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Read the blog here.

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About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

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