Did you know that one in four American adults live with a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition? And yet, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “In 2008, [only] 13.4 percent of adults in the United States received treatment for a mental health problem.” That means over 10 percent of adults who live with a mental health issue were not receiving treatment.

This is most likely due to a lack of awareness surrounding mental health. That’s why Mental Health America celebrates “Mental Health Month” each May. This year, the organization is disseminating its message through two themes: “Do More for 1 in 4″ and “Live Well! It’s Essential for your Potential.” These themes address the issue of mental health awareness.

How can you help spread awareness about mental health disorders this month? There are a number of ways!

1. Twitter:Spread awareness by posting one of the following updates, along with the #mentalhealthmonth tag.
   -Do More for 1 in 4: It’s Mental Health Month http://bit.ly/PzAka  #mentalhealthmonth
   -Embrace wellness-May is Mental Health Month. Go to www.LiveYourLifeWell.org. #mentalhealthmonth
   -The vast majority of mental health conditions are treatable–people live productive lives. #mentalhealthmonth
   -Do More for 1 in 4: It’s Mental Health Month. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Go to http://bit.ly/hmWGSW #mentalhealthmonth
   -Who’s your 1 in 4?  Support from family, friends, peers essential in recovery. Learn how to help at http://bit.ly/fkiy8J 
2. Facebook: Either create your own or copy/paste one of these sample posts into your status box.
   -Good mental health is much more than must the absence of illness – it’s about being able to handle life’s challenges and even flourish. Celebrate Mental Health Month with us! Learn more at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may. 
   -Embrace wellness this May is Mental Health Month. Find out more atwww.LiveYourLifeWell.org. 
   -Wellness encompasses the notion of balance in one’s life among the mental, physical, and emotional elements of health. Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential! Learn more atwww.LiveYourLifeWell.org. 
   -A vast majority of mental health conditions are treatable, we can–no matter how challenging the mental health obstacle we face–always chart a course back to wellness. Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential! Learn more at www.LiveYourLifeWell.org. 
   -Did you know that 60 million Americans are diagnosed with a mental health condition in any given year, that’s 1in4. Learn more at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may.
3. Post Fact Sheets: There are a number of up-to-date fact sheets that you can post at home or at work to help raise awareness.
   -Anxiety disorder fact sheet.
   -Information on depression.
   -And many more!

Clearly, there are many ways through which you can help spread awareness about mental health issues. Do it for the one in four Americans who may need help today!

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve either never heard of lupus or are just familiar with its name. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, this general lack of knowledge regarding lupus is not rare at all: “While lupus is a widespread disease, awareness of the disease lags behind many other illnesses.” That’s why the Lupus Foundation of America constantly endeavors to increase public awareness of lupus and its impact.

But the Lupus Foundation of America can’t do it alone. To aid in the general understanding of this disease, the month of May has been deemed “Lupus Awareness Month.” According to the Lupus Foundation of America, there are several ways through which you can help:

1. Hang lupus awareness fliers (like this one) in your community center or office.
2. Add your name to the World Lupus Day awareness pledge (here) and commit to participating in at least one event to raise awareness this May.
3. Make a donation (here) to contribute to the foundation’s research, educational and awareness events and programs.
4. And many more!

Before you start, it’s important that you, too, understand what lupus is all about. According to WebMD, “Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s natural defense system (immune system) attacks its own tissues instead of attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses.” This negatively impacts those who have contracted lupus by causing inflammation which can lead to swelling, pain, and tissue damage throughout one’s body. The disease can also negatively impact important organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

And although many fortunately only experience mild symptoms of lupus, there are some for whom this lifelong disease can become severe. For these cases, it can be treated using anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and more.

Even if you are not personally affected by this disease, please contribute to spreading awareness of lupus this month. With your help, the Lupus Foundation of America, along with its supporters, may finally be able to find the causes and cure for lupus.

For most of us, the beautiful weather found in the gorgeous month of May makes us want to get outside and get active. As the days pass, the temperatures increase and the grass grows, we understandably want to take advantage of these great conditions. However, for those suffering from fibromyalgia, this is not always as easy as it sounds.

While fibromyalgia is the second-most common arthritic condition (after osteoarthritis), it is surprisingly misunderstood and misdiagnosed. According to WebMD.com, “Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.” Because it is so common (over 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia) and yet so miscomprehended, it is necessary to focus on this condition in order to raise awareness.

How can you help others be more aware of this debilitating condition? Do your part by either participating in or organizing a fibromyalgia awareness event. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, “The observance of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, officially May 12, can take many forms. The 2010 theme, Make Fibromyalgia Visible, [was] the rally cry for fibromyalgia patients and supporters to make their collective voice heard.” The foundation reports that an estimated 700 people attended California State University’s most recent fibromyalgia awareness event, which featured educational seminars, an organized walk and a wellness fair. And, as written on the National Fibromyalgia Association’s Web site, last year in the month of May alone, at least 65 additional events were organized worldwide.

Therefore, it shouldn’t be too difficult to locate a fibromyalgia awareness event near you. For those of you who would like to plan your own fibromyalgia awareness event this year, listed below are a few tips provided by CareGiving.org:

• List your goals and objectives
• Identify your target audience
• Research the facts surrounding fibromyalgia and how you can help
• Choose a spokesperson to help distribute and discuss your messages
• Start organizing your activities as soon as possible

As you can see, helping to raise awareness for fibromyalgia is easy! So before you go for your next jog or bike ride this spring, consider that without your help, so many who suffer from fibromyalgia won’t be able to do the same.

It’s officially May, and as April showers subside and temperatures soar, people are beginning to spend more time outside to watch the flowers and plants bloom. But unfortunately more time spent outside also means more exposure to potentially harmful elements. Consequently, many of May’s awareness events revolve around the environment’s impact on our health. Described in more detail below are a few of these awareness events.

1. Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Spring is in full swing, and while this should be an enjoyable time, allergy and asthma sufferers tend to dread the season. Approximately 22.2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma, and allergies affect more than 50 million people. These statistics are incredibly shocking, and yet most people don’t realize how prevalent asthma and allergies are in our country.

That’s why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has declared May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American’s official Web site, “[May is] a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate your patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.” Even if you are not personally affected by allergies or asthma, it’s important to understand how serious these conditions are, and help spread awareness. Try planning your own asthma and allergy awareness event to help spread the word even more!

2. Healthy Vision Month

As aforementioned, as temperatures rise people tend to spend more time outside. But most of us don’t realize how sensitively our eyes react to harsh elements, specifically the sun. According to PreventBlindness.org, sunglasses should be worn whenever we are outside in order to protect our eyes. In what ways can the sun’s UV rays negatively impact our eyes?

UV rays can play a big part in the contraption of the following eye diseases:

-Cataracts:  Clouding of the eye, which can cause blurring and dimming of one’s vision.

-Pteryguim:  Growth of tissue on the whites of one’s eyes, which can block vision.

-Age-related macular degeneration:  Weakening of the eye’s macula, which is the sensitive center of the retina.

Although May is Healthy Vision Month, sunglasses should actually be worn throughout the year in order to protect the eyes at all times. Take time this month to educate your friends and loved ones about eye health and how to safeguard against contracting harmful eye diseases.

3. Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. And while everybody loves a brown tan, the truth is that the sun emits dangerous UV rays that can be extremely harmful to our health.  In 2007, 58,094 people in our country were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, and 8,461 of those people died. This staggering number is even more upsetting when you think about how preventable skin cancer is with proper use of sunblock and protective gear.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and focusing on prevention is key.  Wearing hats, applying sunblock, and putting on sunglasses are all important measures to take when preparing for a day in the sun. If your friends and family members spend a lot of time outside in the summer months, stress to them the importance of playing it safe. Skin cancer is very real, and no one, no matter how dark their skin, is immune to it.

It is clear that, although May is an exciting time which marks the beginning of the gorgeous spring and summer months, it is also a time to practice caution. Everyone is encouraged to go outside and enjoy the beautiful seasons, but let’s not forget to protect ourselves and our loved ones from dangerous outdoor elements. Take this month as an opportunity to plan an event that spreads awareness about these diseases and conditions.