Andrade Encourages Self-Care for Mental Health Awareness Month

CHICAGO – In honor of the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents to engage in self-care and to help those they know who are struggling with their well-being.

“Current events, particularly the mass shootings that have captured our headlines, have made it clear that we must pay more attention to mental health issues,” Andrade said. “It is important that residents take the time to address their personal emotional and mental needs for themselves and their families.”

May has been annually designated as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949, and Andrade is encouraging residents to take time to get the facts on mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) offers facts, resources and other related items in recognition of the month at www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth.

Additionally, Andrade is highlighting measures that address mental health. The recently signed into law House Bill 3502 creates an advisory council to develop recommendations to address barriers against implementing early and regular mental health screenings for children and adolescents. The council is expected to begin providing recommendations to the General Assembly within the next year.

“There is significant research tying poor mental health to a number of ills that plague our communities,” Andrade said. “With the epidemic of opioid addiction and mass shootings, it is critically important that we address the root causes and work to prevent more tragedies and suffering from occurring.”