Mental Health Month
May 2006

About
Theme
Importance
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What is Mental Health Month?

Mental Health Month is an annual observance sponsored by the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH). It is designed to increase awareness about mental health and mental illness.
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What is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Month?

This year's theme, “MIND Your Health,” is intended to focus awareness on the connection between the mind and body. It draws on the growing body of research that shows that mental and physical well-being go hand in hand. To support this year’s theme, NMHA has developed several publications and promotional materials that communities can use to get out the word about Mental Health Month.
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Why is good mental health important?

Good mental health is fundamental to overall health and is essential to personal well-being and the ability to lead a healthy, balanced, and productive life. Mental health problems can impair a person's thinking, feelings, and behavior and can be serious and disabling. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's report on mental health, more than half of all Americans with a severe mental illness fail to seek treatment. Many people do not receive treatment for mental health problems due to a lack of awareness of the problem, fear of stigma, or lack of access to appropriate services. Yet, overall quality of life is greatly improved when a person with a mental health problem gets an early diagnosis and receives appropriate treatment.
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Where can I find more information?