Guest post by
David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO
Mental Health America

May is Mental Health Month, a tradition that Mental Health America began over 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.

Mental health is integral to our overall health and a major factor in all aspects of our lives. We see it play out in our relationships, in our performance at work or in school, and in our general health. We all live with daily threats to our mental health, whether it is major tragedies or common life changes. Building resilience and reducing the disability that is often associated with mental illnesses must be national priorities

Our theme this year is “Do More for 1 in 4”—a call to action to help the more than 54 million Americans who have a diagnosable mental health condition. The important point is that while mental health conditions are common, they are treatable and, with treatment, people with diagnoses can recover and live full and productive lives.

We know that discrimination and prejudice remain widespread toward people with mental health and substance use conditions. Embarrassment and shame continue to be a major obstacle to individuals seeking effective treatment.

We need to ensure everyone has access to services because we have substantial knowledge about how to identify, treat and prevent mental illnesses and addictions. Our challenge is to assure that these treatments and prevention techniques become routinely available to those who need them. We must also integrate care and improve access to more specialized mental health treatment through the primary care system.

We have won recognition in the policy arena of how integral mental health is to overall health. The groundbreaking Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, is a critical step forward. Health reform expands on the parity law and will deliver affordable and quality care to millions.

But we have more to do to inform the public about the importance of mental health and improve access to treatment and services.

Let’s continue to “Do More for 1 in 4.”