Mental Health Month is a month dedicated to spreading awareness about mental illness.

Mental illness affects millions of teenagers in the U.S alone. According to the Adolescent Wellness Academy, approximately 1 in 5 teens have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Causes of mental illness in teens could be bullying, issues at home, grades, and being overworked. Moreover, several students attribute their bad mental health to their academic experience. Feeling overworked, overstressed, and overwhelmed, some students descend into a poor mental health spiral. Additionally, with final and AP exams looming right around the corner, students feel more distressed lately; this is why it is crucial that we bring awareness to the mental health of our students.

In a recent survey, Bob Jones students expressed their opinion about May being Mental health awareness, many of whom showed support for the month. However, some claimed that it is performative. Bob Jones student, Madison Tanner, stated, “I don’t think it actually accomplishes anything useful to just have a month dedicated to mental health in name only. Really every month should be mental health month.” This is true because bringing attention to mental health should not only be limited to the month of May. It is a practice that everyone has a role to always play in, no matter the month. It is important that we continuously work to preserve the mental stability of our Bob Jones patriots and everybody in general.

Brandon Smith stated, “A month means nothing if steps are not taken to improve mental health.” So you are probably asking: What can I do to help?

There are numerous ways to spread awareness. One could talk with people about the matter and open up about their experience to individuals that they trust. Even simply posting about it on social media is charitable.

In Madison City Schools, we hold the Mental Health Summit annually to discuss and help individuals with mental health issues or any other concerns. Furthermore, the M.A.R.S Club (Mental Health Awareness Relief and Support Club) is a club where people can engage in cordial discussions about mental health. Members of the club participate in activities such as group talks about personal well-being and tie-dye to help establish an amicable atmosphere where individuals can open up about their mental health. There is also an optional Youth Mental Health First Aid training program for teachers this summer. 

Spreading awareness is essential because reassures those individuals who feel trapped under the stigma of mental illness that there are people there to help them.