More Than Enough
The importance of taking care our health is stressed daily. And that push is needed.
Campaigns started in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Family Physicians urging women to get screened for breast cancer have made significant impacts through early detection.
Since 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told us that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC says 68% of those deaths can be prevented by screening. Some promotions urging colorectal cancer screening even urge us do it at home.
We've all seen the promotions on heart disease and eating right. A new push is on for the awareness of lung cancer, which the CDC calls the third most common cancer.
Those efforts have saved lives and raised needed money for research and treatment. They also have made the personal connection that urges us to act.
The same effort is needed in addressing our mental health crisis.
Awareness always is the first step. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned up the national conversation about our mental health. While that is a welcome breakthrough, we usually don't want to talk about our own.
The National Alliance on Mental Health, or NAMI, reports that 1 in 5 people experience a mental health condition each year, and 1 in 20 has a mental illness that significantly alters the course of their life.
There are many people who are struggling with their own personal burdens, afraid or unable to reach out or trying to support a friend or family member with mental illness but unaware of how to help.
National Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1929 and has been observed every May since 1949. NAMI's recent campaign — More Than Enough — takes in the full scope of the issue and should resonate with anyone who feels they are struggling alone. It also builds a bridge for inclusion and empathy.
The organization is urging people to remember their value as an individual.
“No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing,” the organization posted on its website.
The campaign offers us the opportunity to open up on why we are “more than enough.” These short statements support, educate and include everyone.
NAMI urges us to show up “just as you are for yourself and the people around you.”
“If someone you love is going through a hard time, you don’t need to have all the answers. Just being there is #MoreThanEnough.”
Good advice. Now we just have to act on it.
To join the #MoreThanEnough. @NAMICommunicate campaign or learn more about mental health, visit the group's web page at nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month or contact the local branch at 724-431-0069.
— DJS
