Dr. Robin Lanzi, professor in the School of Public Health Department of Health Behavior and Psychology, is the CEDHARS core director for Community Engagement and NCHPAD national director for community engagement and translational sciences. She founded the UAB Mental Health Ambassadors Program as her Honors College Faculty Fellows initiative.
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May each year, serves as a crucial opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health and the urgent need for increased awareness and support. Mental Health Awareness Month originally began in 1949 by Mental Health America as Mental Health Awareness Week. Although this was three quarters of a century ago, mental health concerns remain a significant issue. 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, with half developing conditions by the age of 14 and three quarters by the age of 24. Some alarming statistics:
- 21% of adults are experiencing a mental illness = over 50 million Americans
- 55% of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment
- 28% of all adults with a mental illness reported that they were not able to receive the treatment that they needed
- 11% adults with a mental illness are uninsured
- 4.8% of adults report serious thoughts of suicide
- In the U.S., there are 350 individuals for every one mental health provider
During this month, the focus extends beyond general mental health to address the specific mental health needs of individuals with disabilities. Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as adults without disabilities and often lack adequate mental health programs tailored to their unique needs, highlighting the disparities individuals with disabilities face in accessing mental health services and the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible support systems.
UAB has many resources and supports aimed at supporting mental health and wellness including the Mental Health Ambassadors Program and UAB Cares with specific materials for student and employees. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD; Dr. James Rimmer, PI, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has also taken a proactive stance in addressing the mental health crisis among persons living with disabilities. NCHPAD's dedication to developing programs like GROWTH (Growing Resilience Out of Wellness and Thoughtful Habits) demonstrates a major commitment to filling the gap in mental health supports and providing evidence-based strategies that address the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
GROWTH (Growing Resilience Out of Wellness and Thoughtful Habits), is a 6-week mental wellness promotion program that seeks to increase knowledge and awareness, share coping strategies, and improve connections and resources. Its focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and evidence-based approaches, holds promise in improving the mental well-being of individuals with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, experiential learning, and addressing the impact of societal factors such as ableism and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about the impact of ableism, advocate for better resources, and promote a more understanding and inclusive society.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a call to action, encouraging society to prioritize mental health, challenge stigmas, and advocate for comprehensive and equitable mental health services for all individuals, regardless of ability. It reminds us to support initiatives that promote mental well-being, foster understanding, and empathy, and strive for a society where everyone has access to the support they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. By coming together during this month, we can make a positive impact in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
