HOUGHTON — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health conditions, as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all anyone and everyone – patients, providers, families, and society at large.

“As Mental Health Awareness Month, May is a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health conditions,” states American Hospital Association, “as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, providers, families, and our society at large.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines mental health as including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

“Good mental health positively affects our lives and enables us to meet life’s responsibilities and find happiness and meaning,” SAMHSA states. “Poor mental health can have negative impacts on our physical health, how we feel about ourselves, and how we interact with the world and those around us”.Mental health is essential to a person’s life in the same way as physical health, SAMHSA states. “Hesitation to talk about mental health adds to the notion that the topic is taboo.” SAMHSA goes on to say. “It is important to normalize conversations surrounding mental health so people can feel empowered to seek the help they need.”

Despite the stigma, more and more people are seeking help and treatment professionally, including locally. “Everyone wants to function at their best,” said Sabrina Loven-Gulick, therapist with Unite Health and Wellness, in Houghton. “And no one wants to feel disorganized or that they can’t do anything they want to be able to, go and live the best life that they can.”

Mental health is not just a local topic. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes mental health as a basic human right.

WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community. It is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a positive state of mental and emotional well-being. This definition aligns with the broader conception of human rights as not only freedoms from harm but freedoms to lead a fulfilling life.

Mental Health America (MHA) report that while major strides have been made, people with mental health and substance use conditions continue to be denied their full rights as citizens and suffer from stigma and discrimination.

“Mental health stigma refers to negative, judgmental, and/or discriminatory stereotypes and attitudes toward mental health challenges and people living with mental health conditions,” MHA reports.

MHA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Founded in 1909, MHA works to inform, design, and lead efforts in mental health, with a focus on the lived experience of individuals affected by mental health conditions.