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May is officially Mental Health Month in Alabama. Governor Siegelman’s proclamation comes just months after the U.S. Surgeon General, Alabama native Dr. David Satcher, issued a report identifying mental health as one of the nation’s leading public health issues.

"Mental illnesses are real, common and more responsive to treatment than heart, lung or kidney disease," said Kathy Sawyer, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. In fact, mental illness is more common than cancer, heart and lung diseases combined. "In Alabama, one in five families is touched by a mental illness. Yet, many people do not seek treatment because of the stigma attached to the illnesses," Sawyer said.

Advances in medications and treatment help people with psychiatric disabilities live in communities in ways that were hardly imagined a generation ago. "Because of these advances, persons with psychiatric abilities can live happy and fulfilling lives. In fact, getting a job, or getting back to work, is an attainable goal for most adults with a mental illness," Sawyer said.

On the other hand, the burden of untreated mental illnesses is great. In the workplace, absenteeism, employee turnover and lost productivity are just a few of the economic costs of untreated mental illnesses. Stress and depression rank second and third as the most common issues facing employee assistance professionals. Individuals and families experience significant personal losses, as well, including school failure, financial difficulties, substance abuse problems and even suicide. "The point of designating a special month to consider mental health is its importance to every single person in every community," Sawyer said.

For further information regarding mental health, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation at (334) 242-3417.