Mental Health Month

WHEREAS, May is National Mental Health Month; and

WHEREAS, over the course of a year, one in five adults will experience a mental illness; and

WHEREAS, more than one million Alabamians will experience mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder yet only half of those suffering will seek treatment; and

WHEREAS, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who struggle know they are not alone; and

WHEREAS, mental illness, like any disease, can be treated and with early and effective intervention, people with mental illness can recover and lead full, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, we call upon all Alabamians to raise mental health awareness so all of our citizens can live longer and healthier lives:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 2015, as

Mental Health Month

in the state of Alabama.