May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an issue that is getting renewed scrutiny in the wake of coronavirus pandemic that has led cities and states across the country to implement shelter in place orders for weeks.

Even if they haven’t been personally infected by COVID-19, most Americans have had their lives disrupted by coronavirus – from job loss to pay cuts or knowing someone who has gotten sick or died. A constant barrage of negative news coverage about the pandemic can also take a toll on one’s mental health.

The Birmingham Public Library has plenty of free mental health resources including books and videos available online on our website. Click at www.cobpl.org and search by topic of mental health.

CBS’ “60 Minutes” news program recently spotlighted how coronavirus can take a toll on individuals’ mental health. 

 According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is in its 40th year, has a “You are Not Alone” campaign to highlight this issue during the month of May. NAMI's "You are Not Alone" campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public.

Now more than ever before, it is important for the mental health community to come together and show the world that no one should ever feel alone. You can submit your story at nami.org/yourstory.

BPL also has a Q & A with  Birmingham licensed counselor Eddie Sharpe Jr. that includes tips on keeping your mental health in check during a pandemic 

Medical News Today also has an article on coping with mental health and COVID-19. 

 In addition to this month’s spotlight on mental health, July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from September 21-27, 2020.