"Mental Health Matters in Hawaii" will be emphasized with various activities in May, Mental Health Month. Mayor, malls to mark
mental health in MayStar-Bulletin staff
The theme reflects the importance of good mental health for individuals, families, businesses and the community, says the Mental Health Association of Hawaii.
One in five Hawaii residents, or more than 250,000, suffer from mental illness, including anxiety or phobia disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, according to the association.
It is the major health problem in Hawaii -- more common than cancer, lung ailments and heart disease combined. But treatment and recovery rates are as high or higher than many other illnesses.
Two out of three people who seek professional help get better, the association says.
"Although remarkable strides have been made, there remains stigma associated with seeking assistance with mental health issues," says Ben Carroll, Mental Health Association of Hawaii president.
"I look forward to the day when health is viewed holistically, and mental and emotional health receive the same attention and open dialog that we give to our physical health," Carroll said.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, and intervention can save a life, the association says.
As part of Mental Health Month, the public is invited to attend proclamation signing ceremonies at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Liberty Bell outside Honolulu Hale with Mayor Jeremy Harris and Councilman Duke Bainum, and at 10:30 a.m Friday in the governor's chambers at the state Capitol. Attendance is limited to 20 in the governor's chambers.
Major malls on Oahu will offer opportunities for mental health breaks, with literature on managing stress, anxiety and depression and a "Focus on Well-Being" chart that can be filled out and taken to your doctor.
Mental health information tables will be available as follows: May 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ala Moana; May 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pearlridge; May 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kahala Mall; May 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Windward Mall, and May 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ward Warehouse.
For information, call 521-1846.