County observes Mental Health Month

The Highland County Press

Highland County Commissioners proclaimed the month of May 2012 as Mental Health Month in Highland County.

Commissioners encourage all residents to join in increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and the treatment options available in the community for adults and children with mental illness.

Mental Health Month began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health concerns affect 1 in 10 Americans today, but fewer than 25 percent of people with a diagnosable mental disorder seek treatment.

May 9 was specifically named Children's Mental Health Day, and May 6-12 as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Between 14-20 percent of children and adolescents experience a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder each year; however, less than one-third of these youth will receive any treatment to address these concerns.

Of youths who do access mental health services, approximately 75 percent receive those services in schools. School mental health programs have a positive impact across academic, social, emotional and behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents. As an example, studies show: improvements in behavioral and emotional symptoms; increases in social competency; increases in standardized reading and math test scores; improvements in commitment to school; increases in school attendance; and increases in grade point average.