Half of the people with mental health conditions develop symptoms by age 14. The longer someone waits to get help, the longer their recovery process becomes.

It often takes 10 years from the first time someone has mental health concerns until he or she gets a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Would you wait 10 years to get help if you were experiencing symptoms of cancer or diabetes?

So what can you do? You can:

• Participate in local and countywide Mental Health Month events
• Pledge to help stop stigma; each of us has the power to make our community a welcoming, safe place for everyone
• Learn the early warning signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and do not be afraid to ask for help for yourself or a loved one
• Post a personal message to San Mateo County Health’s Be The One photo gallery 

Mental health conditions are not only common, they are treatable. There is a wide variety of treatment options for mental illnesses ranging from talk therapy to medication to peer support, and it may take some time for a person to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that works best for them. But when they do, the results can be truly amazing and life changing.

It’s up to all of us to know the signs and take action so that mental health conditions can be caught early and treated, and we can live up to our full potential. We know that intervening effectively during early stages of mental illness can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental health conditions. Be aware of your mental health and see your current provider or primary care physician for a screening.

Learn more at the San Mateo County Health Mental Health Month webpage.