Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.  People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew.

However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

This first step may seem impossible while a person practices social distancing. However, people can still raise awareness about mental health virtually. Anything you can do to raise awareness for mental health is a significant contribution. Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness. Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health.

Advocating within our circles of influence helps ensure these individuals have the same rights and opportunities as other members of your church, school and community. Learning more about mental health allows us to provide helpful support to those affected in our families and communities