May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a crucial time for fostering understanding, empathy, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. This month provides an opportunity to engage in open conversations, share stories, and promote awareness about the importance of mental well-being.
We take mental health seriously at kmG Hauling and aim to foster a culture of compassion and support toward those who are struggling and need help. One way we do this is turning our trash trucks into mobile billboards to create awareness for different types of health conditions.
Our mental health fleet
The first kmG Mental Health truck was created in September 2022, to encourage open and honest discussions about mental health. Our goal is to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and help people feel more comfortable seeking help.
Since mental health is so important to kmG, we have added several trucks to our fleet to ensure we continue to create awareness. Since the September 2022 launch, there have been a total of seven mental health trucks added to our fleet. With each new truck addition, we want others to have an understanding and empathy towards those who suffer from mental illness. If so, we can help reduce the stigma and ensure that those who need help receive the support they need.
Mental health statistics
Did you know that nearly one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year? That number is greater than we would like it to be and educating ourselves on what the average US American faces will only help. Check out more statistics and facts below:
- 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.
- <50 million US Adults have a mental illness.
- 11.4 million US Adults face suicidal thoughts.
- 56% of adults with mental illness do not receive any mental health treatment.
- 12.2 million adults with mental illness who report they try and cannot receive treatment.
The numbers of mental health conditions may come to a shock, but facing the truth allows us to learn more on how to help ourselves and others that may face these hardships.
*These quick facts and statistics about mental health are sourced from Mental Health America.
How can you help?
For Mental Health Awareness Month, this year’s theme is Mental Health is Changing the World. There are several ways to support your mental well-being, self-care being one of them. Your self-care practices demonstrate the importance of looking after one’s mental wellbeing. Here are some ideas:
- Take a mental health day at work this month. Plan time away from stress to nurture your mental wellbeing.
- Use relaxation exercises such as meditation and deep breathing to help you manage stress.
- Aim for at least one relaxing activity every day, such as a short walk or 30 minutes spent unwinding, whether listening to music, reading, or journaling.
If you or someone needs help, please utilize these crisis resources. To learn more on how you can make an impact check out the Mental Health America website.