1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime.

Did you know that Mental Health America (MHA) founded May is Mental Health Month back in 1949? That means this year marks MHA’s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Month! This May is Mental Health Month is raising awareness about the connection between physical health and mental health. A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health. When dealing with dueling diagnoses, focusing on both physical and mental health concerns can be daunting, but critically important in achieving overall wellness.

During May, NAMI and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Ventura County Behavioral Health wants everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is always the goal. Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.

• Learn more at Mental Health America at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may
• Learn about the National Alliance on Mental Health at www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth
• Mental Health Awareness Event, What Recovery Means to Me, Ventura County Telecare Programs, 5/14/19, 1pm - 4 pm
• Nami Ventura County Open House, 5/14/19, 3pm - 6pm