On Monday, May 3, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation for all of Illinois, to launch Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The State of Illinois celebrates this month in order to:
- Recognize that positive mental health is essential to overall quality of life and well-being of people across Illinois
- Support Illinoisans living with mental health disorders and
- Increase awareness of emotional support resources for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 44 million American adults, along with millions of children, experience mental health challenges each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the stress and trauma faced by many, adding to the number of people struggling with mental health challenges.
At ComWell, one of our top priorities and responsibilities is to support Southern Illinois residents in seeking the emotional support and mental health care they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
While this month is a time to raise awareness for those living with mental or behavioral health challenges and help reduce the stigma that so many experience, ComWell has a long-standing commitment to support these efforts and advocate on issues related to behavioral health. Each year we continue to fight against the stigma associated with mental health, provide support for those with mental illness and the counselors supporting them, as well as advocate for policies on behalf of those with mental illness and their loved ones.
While 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness throughout the course of their lifetimes, everyone will face challenges that can and will affect their mental health. Licensed professional counselors play a critical role in providing care and guidance for those who are struggling with their mental health. ComWell team members are dedicated to assisting anyone who is struggling.
Hospitals and health systems, as well as schools and educational systems, play important roles in providing behavioral health care and helping patients and students find resources available in their community. ComWell has created unique partnerships with hospitals and local schools to address behavioral health challenges in non-traditional ways. Many of our team members work within surrounding hospitals and schools, supporting individuals and leading improvements in the way behavioral health disorders are identified and treated. These strategies improve the overall value of health care and can lead to improvements in individuals outcomes and quality of care.
ComWell supports the integration of behavioral and physical health and establishing community partnerships to ensure access to a whole health care.
Did you know?
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness every year.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness every year.
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder every year.
- 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
We invite you to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 with us by:
- Visiting ComWell’s Facebook for Mental Health Awareness posts.
- Visiting ComWell’s website to learn more about our mental health services.
- Spread the word about Call4Calm and other emotional support resources.
Be Kind to Your Mind. We encourage you to join us as we highlight the significance of mental health awareness and how our counselors are able to help!
Want help to restore your mental health? Get started today by calling us at 618-282-6233 and ask about our Open Access Program!