Dana Careless
Clinical Operations Manager for Health Promotion

Like most health issues, until they directly impact us, we tend to think mental health issues are something that other people have to deal with.

But, did you know that approximately one in four adults and one in five children experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year? That’s probably more common than you thought and that’s why here at HealthyMindsPhilly our mantra is, “Help yourself, help others.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! During the month (and year round), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and shattering stigma associated with it – and we want your help!

It’s important that we educate (or remind) Philadelphians that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. To reinforce this, we’ll be offering a number of ways to get the word out there starting in May.

We will be kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month on May 2nd at the PromiseZone for the “Spring Into Health Fair.” There, we will be joining other community organizations and agencies to engage with the Philadelphia community.  There will be free, quick and anonymous behavioral health screenings, games, giveaways and plenty of resources. Come by our table for a chance to meet with DBHIDS staff and learn more about how you can find out about your, or a loved one’s, mental and emotional well-being.

On May 7th, come by LOVE Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to show your support for young people by taking part in our Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day celebration. This free, fun and educational community event will promote mental and physical wellness and feature art, music, dancing, informational tables from numerous community providers, and more. In addition, you’ll have the chance to get free giveaways!

These community events are just some of the ways we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness month in conjunction with DBHIDS’ year-long Transformation Decade celebration. Stay tuned for more information on events and activities taking place in honor of May and throughout the year by visiting our calendar section.

You can play a big part in helping to decrease the number of people experiencing behavioral health challenges by helping to increase awareness about the resources and support available in our community.

Help yourself, help others and spread the word this May and all year round – your mental health is just as important as your physical health!

— Contributed by Dana Careless, Clinical Operations Manager for Health Promotion, DBHIDS/CBH