Cloud County Commission Proclaims May as Mental Health Month

The Cloud County Commission has proclaimed May as Mental Health Month, calling upon the business community, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, organizations and citizens of the county to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, its relationship to a strong, vibrant community, the steps citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949.  Every year during the month of May, the Cloud County Commission joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. 

For Mental Health Month this year, Pawnee Mental Health Services is encouraging individuals to look around and look within.  From your neighborhood to genetics, Robbin Cole, Executive Director of Pawnee Mental Health Services, says many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions, and she encourages everyone to consider how the world around you affects your mental health.

The World Health Organization says stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders.

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.  Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.

No matter what you are facing, Cole says you don't have to go at it alone.  It's ok to ask for help. 

Founded in 1956, Pawnee Mental Health Services is a private, not-for-profit community mental health center, one of 26 in the state.  Pawnee provides a full range of mental health, substance use recovery, and crisis services for residents of 10 north central Kansas counties.  Approximately 7,000 adults, adolescents, and children are served annually.