Normalizing Mental Health from Illness to Fitness
Pause and look around you. Can you tell who struggles with mental illness? You might be surprised to learn that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.
In the United States, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, organizations like Mental Health America have acknowledged this designation by promoting awareness about mental health issues to millions of people through the local media, awareness events, websites, and free screenings. Each year, Mental Health America releases a toolkit of materials to guide outreach and activities during Mental Health Awareness Month.
This year, these efforts are bolstered by a recent campaign spearheaded by Oprah Winfrey to bring awareness to mental health and mental illness. The icon appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to discuss her new documentary series she is creating with Prince Harry and Apple. Oprah closed the interview by saying she hopes for a day when mental illness is normalized, and we no longer see it as an illness and something to hide from because by talking about it, we normalize it.
Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry have been working on the docuseries for months. In an interview with USA Today, Prince Harry commented on the series and said, “I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better.” The partnership with Apple provides “a unique opportunity to rise to our best selves in how we use, and choose to use, both our technology and our humanity,” says Oprah. (USA Today)
At Resolution Research, we encourage our clients and panelists alike to support research pertaining to mental health. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with mental illness, you may be encouraged to hear that at any given time there are numerous studies being conducted to help identify and resolve these complex challenges. If you are interested in getting involved in these studies, you can join our respondent panel at www.paidstudies.com.
Awareness Events
https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Why-Care?
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/event-calendar
Resources
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Mental Health America
- Mental Health America Toolkit
- National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Article written by Keo Frazier, Chief Marketing Officer at Resolution Research and Marketing, Inc.