Mental health is essential to our overall health. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined. As a result, a lot of us struggled with our mental health. (1)  Now that we are emerging from the pandemic, this mental fallout will take many months from which to recover.

This year, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, designated to raise the awareness that mental illness is a real issue for many people, but help and support are available.

Mental illness affects millions of people across all walks of life. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth (ages 6-17) struggle with a mental health disorder annually.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34.

But mental illness doesn’t only affect the individual—it impacts families, communities, and overall well-being. The physical toll is significant, too. Studies show that people with serious mental health conditions face an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of disability.

You Aren’t Alone in Your Mental Health Struggle

If you have depression, anxiety, or other mental illness, you are not alone. 

I personally deal with depression, and it manifests in ways that can be exhausting—persistent fatigue, brain fog, and an overwhelming sense of heaviness. The cloud of negativity follows me, and guilt or shame creeps in when I feel I’m not “doing enough.” The stigma surrounding mental health often leads people to believe they should simply push through, but mental illness is not a weakness—it’s a real condition that deserves care and compassion.

That’s why NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is promoting the uplifting message “You Are Not Alone” (#NotAlone). No one should feel isolated or ashamed for struggling. This month is a time to focus on the healing power of connection, prioritize mental wellness, and acknowledge that it’s okay to not be okay.  

Tools Available to Help with Mental Health

The good news? Support is out there.

Mental Health America offers a free tool kit with PDF fact sheets and worksheets on:

·         Adapting after trauma and stress
·         Managing anger and frustration
·         Overcoming negative thought patterns
·         Processing big changes
·         Taking time for yourself
·         Radical acceptance

Additionally, Mental Health America provides a free, confidential anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, where individuals can assess their mental health and begin their journey toward healing.

NAMI offers helpful education and support resources with a platform for individuals to share their personal experiences with mental illness.

The Importance of Prioritizing Your Mental Health

If you’re experiencing signs of mental illness, don’t assume you can “power through” or wait for it to pass. Professional help is available, and treatment—whether through therapy, medication, or a combination—can make a difference.

If something feels off, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. Be honest about your symptoms, emotions, and behaviors—your well-being matters, and you deserve support.

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If you are despondent, in distress or want to harm yourself,
please get help right away by simply dialing 988
on your phone. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Disclosures: Feature photo courtesy of Bob Dmyt from Pixabay
(1)  MHA | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
(2)  https://youth.gov/feature-article/may-national-mental-health-month
(3)  NAMI_Impact_RippleEffect
(4)  Countering the Social Stigma of Depression – Depression Center – Everyday Health

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