STAUNTON, Va. - May 1, 2021 - Mental Health Awareness Month helps shed light on the millions of Americans living with a mental illness. To honor the month, Lock and Talk is encouraging families and community leaders to share resources to improve mental health access.

"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being," states the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. "It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices."

Nearly one in five Americans live with a mental illness. However, only 41 percent of the people who had a mental disorder in the past year received professional health care or services. Access and awareness can help individuals and communities heal and offer support.

Important resources to share throughout the month:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)
Crisis Text Line
Same Day Mental Health Services (http://dbhds.virginia.gov/same-day-access-to-mhs)
Virginia COPES (https://vacopes.com/)
Virginia Community Services Boards (CSBs) (http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/community-services-boards-csbs)

Mental Health Awareness Month was created in 1949 by Mental Health America as part of their outreach program to provide tools and resources to citizens to improve mental health. This year's theme is "Healing and Empowering Together". Check out our website, Facebook (Lock and Talk Virginia) and Instagram (@lockandtalkvirginia) pages for more information, statistics, and resources we will be sharing throughout the month.

Visit www.lockandtalk.org for additional resources on healing and empowering your community.

Contact
Jordan Brooks