National Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949 and it happens to fall during the month of May. 

Program Therapist with Senior Life Solutions at the Dallas County Hospital Ashley Lundstrom says according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mental health includes 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 healthy life choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”

Lundstrom tells Raccoon Valley Radio one of the factors people should think about when they may be facing mental health issues is that they are not alone and it is not a sign of weakness to reach out and ask for help. 

“I can guarantee that there are more people out there with these diagnoses than what you think. Your neighbor probably has some sort of symptomatology relating to anxiety or depression, your mom, your sister, your brother. We know that it also can travel in families so it can be generationally done or passed down so you are not alone. It’s not seen as a sign of weakness either.”

Mental Health Awareness began on May 1st and will continue until May 31st this year.