North Carolina (May 4) — May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind ourselves that mental well-being is just as essential as physical health. Across the country, communities, organizations, and individuals are joining forces to highlight the importance of caring for our minds, advocating for access to resources, and supporting those affected by mental health challenges.
Mental Health Affects Everyone
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness—it’s the foundation for how we think, feel, connect with others, and handle life’s challenges. From children and teens to older adults, mental health affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year.
Yet despite its prevalence, mental health remains misunderstood and often stigmatized. Many people still suffer in silence, reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or lack of access to care.
The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
Untreated mental health conditions can lead to serious consequences—including substance misuse, physical health complications, strained relationships, job loss, and, tragically, suicide. The CDC reports that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, particularly among young adults.
On a broader scale, poor mental health also has an economic toll. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
Breaking the Stigma Starts with Awareness
Mental Health Month serves as a reminder that mental illness is not a personal failing—it’s a health condition that deserves compassion, support, and effective treatment. By sharing stories, educating ourselves and others, and encouraging open conversations, we help normalize mental health care and make it easier for people to seek the help they need.
Self-Care and Support Systems Matter
Mental wellness isn’t just for those in crisis—it’s a daily practice. Simple acts such as getting enough sleep, maintaining social connections, moving your body, and seeking professional help when needed can go a long way in protecting mental health.
Equally important is fostering communities where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether it’s checking in with a friend, participating in a support group, or advocating for mental health services in schools and workplaces, every action contributes to a culture of care.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Resources like the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988), mental health counselors, and local organizations offer confidential support. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward healing.
This Mental Health Month, let’s commit to treating mental health with the urgency, respect, and resources it deserves. Because mental health is health—no exceptions, no stigma.
