(KAIR)--For over sixty years, mental health awareness month has been observed in the month of May. The whole idea behind this initiative is to inform the public about the various aspects of mental health, and what you can do to help yourself or a loved who who may be dealing with it.
David Elsbury is the CEO of Kanza Mental Health, and he says that there are quite a few people in the United States who are effected by some form of mental health issue, and most have lived with it for a very long time. He says that sixty percent of people in the United States who may be suffering from a mental health problem wait as long as ten years to seek help, and the longer they wait, the more difficult it can be to treat the problem.
Elsbury adds that mental illness can come in a variety of different forms. Some are the result of the choices made by people, some can come from unplanned events that can have an impact on a person's emotions, and some can be caused by physical and genetic problems.
Elsbury says that recent events have made it more difficult to raise awareness for mental illness by raising a negative stigma to mental illness and those suffering from it, though some progress has been made.
Elsbury says that if you know of someone who is dealing with a mental health issue, the best thing you can do is to not be silent, express concern, and not look the other way.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
One injured in Jeff Co collision
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
HCF Match Day event this weekend
HCC hires new vice president of finance and operations
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
LATEST STORIES
Kansans, Moran, honor fallen on Memorial Day
HCF Match Day event raises more than $230K
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident