May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Since 1949, May has been recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”  One theme for this year is Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential.  This them focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone – children, teens and adults – can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the United States among teens and adults.

Did you know that…

  • About 20 percent of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood?
  • Between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of teen depression at any one time?
  • About 5 percent of teens are suffering from major depression at any one time?

To help raise awareness about mental health among your family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances, try reaching out through Facebook or Twitter.  Or, just start a conversation about it.  Adolescent Counseling Services encourages you to talk about mental health openly with any youth in your life.  Help them to know that living well is Essential for Your Potential.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month, please visit Mental Health America.