WHEREAS, mental health is a part of overall health; and

WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships, productivity, and ability to adapt to change; and

WHEREAS, one in twenty-five adults live with mental illness, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; and

WHEREAS, roughly one-half of chronic mental illness begin by the mid-teens and three-fourths by the mid-20s; and

WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful management of mental illness and recovery; and

WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental illness and seek help when it is needed; and

WHEREAS, every citizen and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness; and

WHEREAS, through public education and civic activites, Virginia remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges facing people with mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health and to prom ote the identification and treatment of mental illness;

NOW THEREFORE, the Sussex County Board of Supervisors do hereby recognize May 2019 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, in SUSSEX COUNTY and call observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Proclaimed on this 18th day of April, 2019.

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