One of the most prevalent types of illness in the United States is mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience it in a given year. With volunteer work and charity emphasized at Reynolds and Reynolds, we want to do our part to help those who are fighting battles we cannot see.

At Reynolds, there are opportunities to donate to different organizations each month. In the past few years, mental health organizations have been a focus for some of our charity drives. Our company raised $3,129 through one of our programs for the Alzheimer’s Association, and $3,648 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Reynolds also has a group of employees who head our Associate Foundation. The foundation does incredible work raising money for local charities and providing volunteer opportunities. In the last five years, the foundation raised over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association and has also given a $1,000 grant to the Behavioral Mental Health Center.

During this month, do your part to help those battling a mental illness. You can donate to mental health organizations, or be there for your friends if they need to talk. Recognizing the signs can be crucial to help someone receive treatment. According to the American Psychiatric Association, some common symptoms include:

• Withdrawing from others.
• A drop in functioning at school, work, or social activities.
• Increased sensitivity to sounds, smell, or touch.
• Apathy for participating in activities or relationships.
• Feeling disconnected from one’s surroundings.
• Illogical thinking.
• An increase in nervousness or suspiciousness.
• Unusual behavior.
• Sleep and/or appetite changes.
• Rapid or dramatic mood changes.

Everyone goes through rough patches in life. It’s important that we make our communities better places to live by striving to help those around us. In recognition of mental health awareness month, take a moment to learn a little more about mental health, and make sure your friends and family know if they need to talk, you’ll be there to listen.