By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
October is a month filled with health awareness campaigns that touch families here at home and connect us to conversations happening around the world.
This month the focus is on the breast cancer awareness – pink ribbons on storefronts, walks for survivors and hospital screenings are being conducted. Nearby health care systems and clinics often expand their outreach, reminding women and families about the lifesaving value of mammograms and early detection. This is a good time to discuss screening with your health care provider.
Mental health takes center stage in October. Communities around the globe mark World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. The World Federation for Mental Health established the date in 1992 to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This year, the United Nations and World Health Organization are highlighting access to care during crises – an urgent issue as conflict and climate disasters strain already fragile health systems.
According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, one in five US adults experience mental illness each year, one in six US youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year and one in 20 US adults experience serious mental illness each year. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.
Mental health is more than an individual concern – it is a shared responsibility. Given the current environment, it is extremely important to seek advice. Supporting mental well-being strengthens families, communities and workplaces alike. By prioritizing mental health, we reduce social stigma and foster a respectable society. We need to focus on supporting campaigns and organizations focused on helping individuals and global communities that have been afflicted with crisis.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.