Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been the cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. The importance of mental health must echo into the construction industry to improve the industry’s overall mental health.

Important Facts About Mental Health

• 1 in 5 Americans have experienced some form of mental illness. 1 in 25 experience serious mental health illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
• Suicide accounts for over 800,000 deaths globally each year, with over 41,000 in the U.S. alone. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide for 15-29 year-olds.
• The rate of mental health disorders doubles for those who have been to war, or a major disaster.
• People with mental health issues are generally non-violent. Only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributed to people with serious mental illness.
• Many factors lead to mental illness, including genetics, physical illness or injury, and traumatic life experiences.
• Many people do not seek treatment for mental illness due to the associated stigma. Only 44% of Adults with diagnosable mental illness receive treatment.
• Most people living with mental illness lead productive lives, despite their challenges.

To support May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, you can wear green or a green ribbon, which is the international symbol of mental health awareness.