Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Body
WHEREAS, Mental Health America founded Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949; and,
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every May with the goal of promoting mental wellness nationwide; and,
WHEREAS, this year’s theme of Mental Health Awareness Month is “More Good Days, Together,” which encourages people to reflect on what a good day looks like, both for individuals and communities; and,
WHEREAS, this year’s theme additionally seeks to connect people to the right support at the right time; and,
WHEREAS, nearly one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year and approximately 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life; and,
WHEREAS, common mental health conditions include anxiety, addiction/substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression, among others; and,
WHEREAS, while mental health conditions are widespread, there remains a stigma around discussing mental health and receiving treatment for it; and,
WHEREAS, in 2023, one in four adults with any mental illness reported an unmet need for mental health treatment in the past year; and,
WHEREAS, it is imperative for individuals to have access to effective treatment to help manage symptoms when living with a mental health condition, in addition to having access to healthy relationships and environments; and
WHEREAS, one can experience positive well-being while living with a mental health condition; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to remember that mental health is not the absence of mental health conditions, but rather about the presence of well-being and the ability to thrive;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Madison.