May 2023:
The MLO Minute: “May is Mental Health Awareness Month!” —
By, Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed., Director of Community Outreach and Marketing —
Since 1949, the month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) in the United States. Mental Health America initiated this campaign over 70 years ago with the goal of raising awareness surrounding mental illness. Since then, many organizations and individuals have joined the movement, including The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness”. Each May, NAMI designates a hashtag to get people involved in MHAM. This year’s slogan is #MoreThanEnough and is described as “an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.”
With over 55 million Americans living with a mental health condition, it is crucial that individuals of all ages understand the signs and symptoms. Statistics show that 1 in 5 adults and approximately 17% of youth are affected by mental illness, and these numbers appear to be rising. In an effort to break the stigma surrounding mental illness, these organizations are offering various events, programs, webinars, and screenings to raise awareness and to emphasize the importance of accessible and affordable treatment options.
Being an advocate myself for mental health awareness, I greatly appreciate the philanthropic work that these organizations provide to our communities. In my role as the Director of Community Outreach and Marketing here at McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C., I have had the privilege to work directly with many of these advocacy groups whose efforts closely mirror the goals of our firm by serving the needs of individuals with disabilities. I am incredibly honored to work for a firm that strives to improve the lives of our clients. For over 40 years, we have been advocating for people with disabilities, including those affected by mental illness. The knowledge and experience of our legal team is unparalleled. Our staff and attorneys collectively possess over a century of special education advocacy experience and have a great understanding of the impact that mental illness can have on individuals and their families. Our team encourages everyone to get involved in raising awareness for mental health this month (and throughout the entire year)!
The COVID-19 pandemic added a whole new layer of unpredictability to our daily lives, causing a greater need for mental health services, especially for school-age children. Students thrive when they have a daily routine, especially children who receive special education services. Over the past 3 years, their daily routines have been drastically altered, causing an increase in stress and uncertainty. If you believe your child is not receiving the proper educational services for their condition, we are here to help. Our initial consultation is without charge, and most of our cases are handled without fees paid by parents of children with disabilities. We understand these are difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us today by clicking here or by calling 610-648-9300.
