May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Figures pertaining to mental health issues are staggering. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year. What’s more, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

Faulk Center for Counseling, based out of Boca Raton, is all too familiar with these figures. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Elizabeth H. Faulk, the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Florida, The Center helps individuals and families through a variety of free and low-cost programs for counseling, therapy and support. 

On Tuesday, May 18 at 4 p.m. the Faulk Center for Counseling will host a virtual event in partnership with Healthier Delray Beach’s “Get Your Green On” initiative (GYGO) to raise awareness about mental health. While the will be held virtually on Facebook this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, donors and community partners like Healthier Delray Beach, Jewish Family Service and Boca Raton’s Promise will stand in solidarity with those affected by mental health struggles. 

Butterflies, which are a symbol of transformation, individuality and celebration will be released as a message of hope and renewal coming out of the challenges of the pandemic. The color green represents hope, strength, support and encouragement and has been designated the color of May’s Mental Health Month. GYGO is an annual Palm Beach county event that raises awareness by creating visible support and fostering safe spaces to talk openly about mental health issues during the month of May. On May 20 marks the official SOMETHING DAY, everyone is encouraged to wear green and post pictures on social media — #getyourgreenon and #gygo2021) to show support for mental health awareness and care.

"Positive mental health is essential to personal well-being, family and interpersonal relationships, and the ability to contribute to our community. Even before COVID-19, youth and adults have been experiencing an increase in anxiety and depression. However, many people never seek support because they cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance companies. The Faulk Center will never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Mental health and well-being are vital to living a healthy emotional and physical life." — Jonathan Price, CEO Faulk Center for Counseling

For more information, visit Faulk Center for Counseling's Facebook page.