On Monday, Probate Judge Wes Allen proclaimed May 2016 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pike County.

Allen was joined by the Executive Director of East Central Mental Health, Don Schofield and other leaders in the mental health field, for a proclamation signing at the offices of East Central Mental Health in Troy.

“I want to thank Mr. Schofield and his dedicated members of his team for working to ensure that people who suffer from mental illness in Pike County and surrounding areas can receive high-quality and responsive services.  Mental illness affects a lot of people and we want to raise awareness in our communities,” Allen said.

According to statistics, mental disorders, collectively, make mental illness the most prevalent health problem in America today.

Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, lung and heart disease combined.

“Mental health is important to everyone’s overall health and well-being.  Judge Allen and the probate staff, along with law enforcement, physicians and other social services agencies are always ready to assist when needed.

“We, at East Central Mental Health are fortunate that we have a caring and cooperative community,” Schofield said.

Mental illnesses include disorders as schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, panic and other anxiety disorders.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental illnesses can strike individuals during adolescence and young adulthood.

“Early detection and treatment of mental illnesses are extremely important.  The quicker a person suffering from a mental illness can receive treatment the better the chances are of protecting the brain from other harm,” Allen said.