This May will host the 76th anniversary of Mental Health Awareness Health, created in 1949 to increase the awareness and importance of mental health among the American people each year. This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is Turn Awareness into Action as part of celebrating the positive actions and changes for the struggles of mental health. For every week here in May is a topic about the coverage of Mental Health. Here is the list:

Week 1: May 1- 3: Helping Older Adults and Senior Citizens

Week 2: May 4-10 : Childrens and Teens

Week 3: May 11-17: Serious Mental Illnesses- Affects millions, yet stigma keeps them from actually getting help

Week 4: May 18-24:  When Physical Health and Occurring Disorders affect Mental Health

Week 5 : May 25-31: Community, Connectedness, Support, Recovery

While mental health is increasing in importance, still 1 in 6 youths in America suffer some form of mental problems and only half of them receive treatment and 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. While these statistics are staggering, mental health awareness is growing, with external factors affecting our ways such as food, as said  by Dietician Rachel Brown ““What you eat directly affects our mood, how we feel, and our health.”

It is very important to be aware of mental health and know the phone numbers for Mental Health services.

Crisis Services HELPline 256-716-1000

211 Resources Dial 211

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“ReachOUTTXT” 1-800-448-3000

National Alliance on Mental Illness 800-950-6264