May is mental health month
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. In Jackson County, 15% of adults reported 14 or more days of poor mental health per month in 2020. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are on the rise around the globe. Established in 1949, May became Mental Health Awareness Month, to promote mental health and increase the focus on the importance of mental health. Each year organizations across the nation and around the world fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support individuals with mental illness and their families.
So, what is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can impact how we think, feel, and act. Mental health also plays an important role in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health conditions impact all areas of life, such as school, work, relationships, and participation in the community. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood.
Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: biological factors such as our genes or brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma or abuse, and/or family history of mental health problems. Mental health problems are common, but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
Positive mental health can help individuals to: realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. There are many ways to work to maintain positive mental health. A few examples include: connecting with others, staying positive, getting physically active, helping others, getting enough sleep, developing healthy coping skills, and getting professional help if you need it. Remember that each person is unique, so you need to find what works for you.
To celebrate Mental Health Month this year, Jackson County Public Health and Jackson County Behavioral Health collaborated with many community partners to host the 2nd Annual Jackson County Wellness Extravaganza tonight, Wednesday, May 15th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at the Milt Lunda Arena in Black River Falls. This FREE event is open to all residents in Jackson County! The Wellness Extravaganza will be different from your normal health fair, in that participants will learn skills they can take home and practice themselves to work towards better health. The theme is “Nurture. Health. Thrive. Embracing a Healthier You!” The Wellness Extravaganza will have many fun learning opportunities about physical and mental well-being. We hope to see you there!
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community