Spring has sprung, and with it comes May and Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, and to remind everyone that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. 

Mental health conditions are more common than you might think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s estimated more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience a mental health condition each year. 

Take a deep breath and let’s raise awareness

So why is raising awareness about mental health so important? Shining a light on the importance of mental health can help:

• Break the stigma — For far too long, mental health struggles have carried a heavy weight of shame and misunderstanding. Embracing and celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month can make May a special chance to openly discuss these issues, create a safe space for conversation and remind everyone that they’re not alone. 
• Promote help-seeking behavior — Many people who struggle with mental health conditions may not know where to turn for help; further, they may fear judgment, lack access to needed resources, and face cultural stigma or even systemic inequalities. An awareness campaign or event can be a good place to start to help people learn how to access support. Getting involved with your local or state government by advocating for mental health services can lead to bringing in needed funds for comprehensive support systems and provide accessible resources. Advocating for policies that promote mental health awareness and access to services can also help break the stigma that can still surround mental health and keep people from seeking help they need. 
• Build a more compassionate world — By acknowledging the struggles others face, we can help grow a society that’s more understanding and supportive. This can make a world of difference, not just for those who are struggling with or experiencing mental health conditions, but for everyone. Understanding where someone is coming from can help you know how to interact with them better or understand where they’re coming from.

Taking action for Mental Health Awareness

Are you looking for ways to make a meaningful impact during Mental Health Awareness Month? Here are some specific actions you can take to boost awareness and support:

• Organize a community event — Host a mental health awareness event in your community, such as a panel discussion, workshop or fundraiser. Bringing people together to discuss mental health openly can help reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Share personal stories — Use your platform to share your own experiences with mental health, whether through social media, blogs or public speaking engagements. Personal stories can be powerful tools for increasing understanding and empathy.
• Advocate for policy change — Get involved in advocacy efforts to support mental health legislation and policies at the local, state or national level. Contact your representatives, join advocacy groups and participate in campaigns to promote positive change.
• Participate in awareness campaigns: — Take part in online and offline awareness campaigns during Mental Health Awareness Month. Share resources, participate in social media challenges and engage with community events to help spread the word.
• Support mental health organizations — Volunteer your time or resources to local mental health organizations that provide support services, education and advocacy. Your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness. 

Remember, every action you take to help raise awareness helps contribute to a larger movement. If you’re worried you’re not helping enough, just remember that being supportive to a person struggling with their mental health is so much more important than you may think. You are showing them how important they are by sharing your valuable time with them when they’re hurting. By working together, we can help create a world where everyone can prioritize their mental health and feel empowered to seek the help they need.

Lightfully can help support your mental health 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but taking care of your mental health is a lifelong journey. At Lightfully, our licensed clinical experts are here to help support you or your loved one every step of the way. We take a compassionate, whole-person centered approach to mental health. Our approach can help you or a loved one build a strong foundation for a fulfilling life. 

You don’t have to do it alone. If you believe that you align with symptoms of a mental health condition, visit our Contact Us page to ask about an assessment. Change is possible. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.