WE DEMAND MORE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

To Americans with mental health (that’s all of you),

The past two years have demonstrated that anyone can experience a mental health challenge – and many have. Our mental health is just as real as our physical health, and it’s something we all must care for – from childhood through adulthood – in ourselves, among our friends and family, and in our communities.

Studies show that one in five of us will experience a mental health condition this year. Nearly half of us will experience one in our lifetimes. And suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. There is no shame in acknowledging a mental health challenge, whether it’s a temporary experience or a chronic condition. We all have mental health.

Together, there are ways to create greater awareness of caring for mental health and to recognize that none of us are alone in what we may be going through.

It’s time to demand #MoreForMentalHealth

The time has come for each of us to get involved, demand mental health for all, and advocate for the legislation and policies that we KNOW through research – save lives. It’s time for:

• More accessible and affordable mental health care
• More mental health education, including suicide prevention education in our schools and workplaces
• More support for health providers, including the mental health workforce
• More funding for the new 988 hotline number and mental health crisis services in our communities
• More research that will help us learn more and save lives

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we need YOU: To become informed. To get involved. To raise your voice. To spread the word. To enlist your friends, family, or social media followers. And we need you to join us in demanding more for mental health.

Robert Gebbia CEO, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Saul Levin, M.D. CEO, American Psychiatric Association

Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD CEO, American Psychological Association

Bill Smith Founder, Inseparable

Schroeder Stribling President and CEO, Mental Health America

Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness

Charles Ingoglia, MSW CEO, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Tyler Norris, MDiv CEO, Well Being Trust

Andy Keller, PhD President and CEO, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute