1 Week of Mental Health Awareness

Mental health has long held a negative stigma, with many people not understanding it or not taking the time to navigate its complexities and variances. In fact, 1 in 5 American adults, or nearly 45 million citizens, will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The prevalence of mental illnesses, however, does little to combat the negative stigma often associated with it, especially in the South Asian community. Mental health illnesses, such as depression, are commonplace and require specialized attention. This attention can only be received if the condition is detected and acknowledged, which many people may not wish to admit. Overmedicalization of the issue is just as detrimental as not seeking help at all. With a donation, money will be sent to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, which provides grants to acclaimed researchers and scientists to further the investigation into what can be done to treat and prevent mental illnesses. Being proactive is essential, rather than being reactive. Mental health is just as important as physical and spiritual health, and is something every single one of us needs to acknowledge.