What does mental illness look like to you? If you walked by someone on the street, would you be able to detect that they are a sufferer? Many of us would struggle with this because there are so many things that cloak illness such as intelligence, prestige, style, culture, or personality. But what do you think a mental health condition is? How would you define it? Could you define it properly? A mental health condition is typically something that interferes with daily functionality and causes difficulties in every aspect of existence (social, emotional, psychological, and even physiological). Symptoms are so obvious and debilitating some times that school or work and home or community life is difficult. A mental health condition often causes behaviors, thinking patterns, and emotions that interferes with relationships, education/employment, and reality testing. This article will emphasize how important it is to refrain from self-evaluation and quick judgments about mental illness.

Although May is close to being over, it is one of the most educational starts to the summer due to multiple campaigns, websites, supporters and advocates, professionals, and even celebrities focusing on and promoting Mental Health Awareness Month. In fact, May is also Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month where multiple child and adolescent agencies circulate education on developmental and behavioral disorders. May is a great time to truly hone in on the mental health issues and lack of awareness that continues to plague our society. For many people, some of the most common mental health challenges include: insurance and meeting the medical necessity criteria to continue receiving services, poor geographical access to mental health services (which typically occurs in the inner-city or urban and rural areas), perpetual financial instability, bed availability for long-term program such as placements or hospitals, and family education about coping with a loved one. Another common issue emphasized during the month of May is the process of determining what should or should not be categorized as a mental health condition.