For those who were unaware, May marks Mental Health Month. Although Mental Health Month may sound like something new, it isn’t. In 1949, the US Congress enacted the month of May as “Mental Health Month” with the idea of raising awareness of mental health conditions and the hope of aiding those who sought help.

With tough economic times at hand and an ever eroding public health care system in the US, it’s great to new that the government encourages individuals to be proactive. As a matter of fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) gives all of the below suggestions, on their website (http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov), to raise awareness of mental health conditions and show support for Mental Health Month in our communities. The suggestions are more directed towards children:

• Learning more about mental well-being in children.
• Celebrating the accomplishments and strengths of children.
• Fostering self-worth and independence in children.
• Helping children express their feelings.
• Promoting mutual respect and trust.
• Recognizing the strengths in all children.
• Appreciating each child’s uniqueness.
• Encouraging individual talents.
• Helping children set goals based on their abilities and interests.
• Showing confidence in their ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.

For those who were unaware, May marks Mental Health Month. Although Mental Health Month may sound like something new, it isn’t. In 1949, the US Congress enacted the month of May as “Mental Health Month” with the idea of raising awareness of mental health conditions and the hope of aiding those who sought help.

With tough economic times at hand and an ever eroding public health care system in the US, it’s great to new that the government encourages individuals to be proactive. As a matter of fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) gives all of the below suggestions, on their website (http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov), to raise awareness of mental health conditions and show support for Mental Health Month in our communities. The suggestions are more directed towards children:

• Learning more about mental well-being in children.
• Celebrating the accomplishments and strengths of children.
• Fostering self-worth and independence in children.
• Helping children express their feelings.
• Promoting mutual respect and trust.
• Recognizing the strengths in all children.
• Appreciating each child’s uniqueness.
• Encouraging individual talents.
• Helping children set goals based on their abilities and interests.
• Showing confidence in their ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.