11 minutes. Every 11 minutes, someone takes their own life(CDC). Spreading awareness is the first step in creating a world where this terrifying statistic ceases to exist. In addition to spreading awareness, as the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, it is very important to take care of yourself physically and mentally.
The first step in mental health awareness is knowing what it is. So what exactly is mental health? Mental health is a state of well-being in which individuals can cope with the normal stresses of life, realize their abilities, work productively, and contribute to the community. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The cause of poor mental health is complex and deep. Some causes are traumatic events, such as abuse, accidents, or the loss of a loved one, chronic stress: prolonged stress due to financial issues, work pressure, or family problems, and substance use. (Friends Hospital). By spreading awareness about mental health, you can help erase the stigma and cause more people to seek the help they need.
Image Source: Lydia Breddin and Charlotte Hasleton
Information Sources: https://friendshospital.com/