May is National Mental Health Month. Here’s What You Need to Know

Since 1949, organizations like Mental Health America have observed National Mental Health Month in May. Although the focus for 2016 centers around the theme “Life With a Mental Illness,” the resources available from Mental Health America can help anyone improve his or her mental health and live a better life, whether or not a mental health condition has been diagnosed.

Here’s what you need to know:

• One in five American residents reports mental illness symptoms. The number of people who live with symptoms may be even higher, since many people do not report mild symptoms that include anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. “Mental illness” constitutes more than just severe impairment – it includes any mental symptom or condition that negatively impacts a person’s quality of life.
• Two people with the same diagnosis may have radically different experiences, symptoms or behaviors. Diagnosticians generally group mental illnesses together by what they have in common. However, when it comes to individual experiences of these conditions, mental illnesses are as unique as fingerprints.
• You’re not alone. If you live with a mental illness, drop in on the hashtag #mentalillnessfeelslike on Twitter or Facebook this month. Share your story, or simply follow along for support, tips, and advice from millions of other Americans who will be sharing what their mental illnesses feel like to them.

While medications to control mental illnesses do a lot of good, you still need to be aware of the potential risks. See this piece about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, and you believe a caregiver’s negligence or carelessness made things worse, our D.C. medical malpractice attorneys can help you and your family understand how to seek compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.