May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about mental health, educate the public, and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. During May, organizations, healthcare professionals, and communities promote conversations about mental health, share resources, and encourage people to seek help when needed. Learn more about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and how to get involved.

 

Mental health in numbers

Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 5 adults (23.4%) experience mental illness. Moreover, 1 in 20 adults experiences serious mental illness.¹

 

Estimates suggest that only half of these people receive treatment, with lower treatment rates among minority groups.¹

 

Prejudice, stigma, and fear of discrimination can prevent people from seeking help. Access to healthcare and high treatment costs are also major barriers. Together, these factors contribute to delays in treatment and poorer outcomes, with an average gap of 11 years between symptom onset and treatment initiation.¹

 

Mental illness affects not only the individual but society as a whole. People with mental illness are 2 times more likely to have heart disease than people without any mental health condition. Additionally, people with depression have 40% higher chances of developing chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and obesity than the general population.¹

 

Today, at least 8.4 million Americans provide care for someone with a mental health issue, spending 32 hours of unpaid care per week on average.¹

 

Mental Health Awareness Month and its importance

Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949, started by Mental Health America (MHA). Every May, affiliates and organizations interested in mental health host activities nationwide to promote mental wellness. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental ilnesses, highlight the realities of people living with these conditions, share strategies for improving quality of life, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.²

 

Mental Health Awareness Month also offers an opportunity to raise funds for research and treatment, helping build a more promising future for mental health care.

 

This year’s theme is “More Good Days, Together”, which encourages us to reflect on what a good day looks like. What counts as a good day can be different for each individual, but it’s important to remember that support is available if you need it. Find useful resources here.

 

What can you do to raise awareness for mental health?

There are various ways in which you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month. In May, mental health organizations such as MHA and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) host events and fundraisers. Contact your local mental health organization to learn how you can get involved or volunteer.

 

Sharing your experience on social media is a great way to build connections, challenge stigma, and help amplify the movement. 

 

It’s also our responsibility to advocate with elected officials to ensure people have access to care, as early as possible.

 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, seek help right away. In the United States, you can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.^3. Check more mental health resources here.

 

References

1-     NAMI. Mental Health By the Numbers. Available at: https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

2-     MHA. Mental Health Month 2026. Available at: https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/

3-     CDC. Mental Health Resources. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html