January is Mental Wellness Awareness Month.  A new year is an opportunity to focus on the importance of attending to our mental health which is just as important as physical health.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website illustrates the following:

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

The last time someone in your personal life asked you “how are you doing” what was your response? Did you just respond with a “pretty good” or “okay?” Or did you actually talk about what may be bothering you or how you are feeling emotionally? Maybe the state of the world is feeling overwhelming or maybe you feel like you could improve on how you are currently coping with stressors in your life. Know that you are not alone and that many times it may seem like no one understands you but sometimes normal is what people tell you.

The World Health Organization provides a mental wellness definition:  “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) does a great job of breaking down what Mental Wellness looks like.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or that there is some emotional distress that is affecting your quality of life, reach out to us for support. A mental health counselor can provide the support and encouragement to not feel alone in your journey.