It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and there is a lot for us to celebrate.  We’ve come a long way since the days of routine confinement and ostracization of mental health patients. Today, while there is much room for improvement there are many areas where we have made light-years of progress in a very short time.

Here are some of the areas where massive steps forward have been made: 

Conversations are Happening

Companies, schools, police forces and other institutions are discussing ways to improve the mental health of their employees, customers and stakeholders.  Social media outlets have made changes to their interfaces in reaction to reports that layouts were damaging the mental health of users.  People are talking about mental health more than ever and, more importantly, people are listening.

Inclusiveness is on the Rise

More than ever, those with diagnosed mental health conditions are working, studying and living in mainstream society. Reasonable accommodations are being made in offices, classrooms and throughout our communities to make it easier for those with mental health conditions to not only survive, but to thrive.

Support Organizations are Flourishing

Those on the autism spectrum, suffering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are no longer alone.  There has never been a better time for people with mental health challenges to feel supported.

Let’s keep the progress up as there is still a lot of scope for us to get better at accepting and supporting those experiencing mental health issues and their loved ones.