Since 1949, May has been recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month- allowing a designated time for communities to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those living with mental health conditions (NAMI, n.d.). While as a society, we have come a long way in spurring on discussions around the topic of mental health, there is always room to grow and expand our knowledge, compassion, and access to mental health supports. 

According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness – affecting over 57 million individuals (NAMI, 2021). Additionally, suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death in individuals ages 10-34 (CDCP, 2022). The struggles that accompany mental health conditions cannot be ignored. Every effort made to promote awareness and support in the mental health arena is vital for a healthy and thriving community. 

It is important to note that mental health is more than just the absence of an “illness” or “diagnosis”. Every individual has their own mental health to manage- all of which is impacted by emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Whether dealing with diagnosable mental health conditions or simply dealing with the emotions from the fluctuating adjustments of life, all situations are valid, treatable, and worthy of compassion. 

What can you do to shift the paradigm from “stigma” to “support”?

1. Education
   • Learn about common mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, etc.) so that you are able to notice when someone might need help.
   • Share articles, websites, or infographics from trusted sources to help educate yourself and others about mental health. 
   • Get to know resources in your area that yourself or others can turn to for mental health support. 
2. Support
   • Reach out to friends, family, coworkers, or those in your community to be a support system. Being there for others without judgement can be exactly the support that someone needs. 
   • Volunteer with churches and/or organizations that help create supportive mental health atmospheres. 
   • Donate to organizations that directly work with those struggling with their mental health. 
3. Advocate
   • If you hear others sharing misinformation about mental illness, speak up. Empathetic and compassion driven education can help shift attitudes about mental health and reduce stigma.  
   • Reach out to local legislators to encourage the prioritization of mental health support systems and access to care. 
   • Share advocacy messages on social media. 
4. Self-Care
   • Do you own self-reflection on your mental health and access the support that you need. 
   • Practice health coping strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or getting regular exercise.
   • If you are struggling, consider seeking professional help. Therapy can be a valuable space that provides support, understanding, empathy, and tools to overcome the challenges you may be facing. 

Mental Health Awareness Month provides us with a wonderful opportunity to highlight the realities of mental health, emphasize the importance of breaking down stigma and barriers, and create opportunities to support one another. Whether it be the small personal actions or large community initiatives, every step towards creating a healthier community makes all the difference. Let’s continue to keep the mental health conversation going, not just in May, but every day. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Leading causes of death, United States, 2022. National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://wisqars.cdc.gov/lcd/?o=LCD&y1=2022&y2=2022&ct=12&cc=ALL&g=00&s=0&r=0&ry=3&e=0&ar=lcd1age&at=groups&ag=lcd1age&a1=0&a2=199

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness Month. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers