Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How We Can Support One Another

Promoting the importance of mental health awareness.

Each year, May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Mental health affects every one of us. Whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions, these challenges don’t discriminate by age, gender, background, or circumstance. And yet, many continue to struggle in silence.

The Reality in Numbers

Understanding the scope of mental health issues can help us grasp the urgency of this topic. Here are some facts:

• 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year.

• 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experiences a mental health disorder annually.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34.

• On average, there is an 11-year delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and intervention.

• 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14.

  
  

Behind each of these numbers is a real person—a parent, sibling, friend, coworker, or neighbor. Someone who deserves care, support, and hope.

Breaking the Silence

Despite how common mental health issues are, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. Fear of being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed keeps many from opening up. This is why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important. This month invites us all to normalize conversations and advocate for mental wellness.

What You Can Do

Whether you live with a mental health condition or want to support someone who does, here are a few meaningful ways to engage this month:

• Talk openly about mental health. Sharing your story, share mental health posts and information, or simply checking in with someone can make a huge difference.

• Learn the signs of mental health challenges—like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior.

• Offer nonjudgmental support to someone who may be struggling. You don’t have to have all the answers—just being present is powerful.

• Encourage professional help. Therapy, medication, support groups, and other resources can be life-changing.

• Take care of your own mental health, too. Set boundaries, get enough rest, move your body, eat nourishing foods, and practice mindfulness.

  
  

  

  Encouraging signs on a fence remind passersby that they're not alone and they matter, urging them to persevere.

  
  

Make Mental Health a Priority

Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect, but our commitment to mental wellness has to continue beyond just 31 days. Whether you’re seeking support or offering it, remember: you are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

#MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyIsForEveryone #MayIsMentalHealthMonth

A person stands confidently, wearing a jacket over a shirt with the bold message "Mental Health Matters," emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy.