May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time not just for reflection but for action.
For decades, mental health has existed in the shadow of physical health, often stigmatized, misunderstood or simply ignored. But the truth is undeniable: mental health is an important aspect of our entire well-being. It influences every aspect of our lives—from how we think and feel to how we connect with others and cope with challenges. Recognizing and prioritizing mental health is not optional. It is essential.
In a world moving at a relentless pace, where social media, economic pressure and global uncertainty constantly weigh on us, our mental resilience is tested daily. Rates of anxiety, depression, burnout and loneliness are rising across all age groups. And yet, far too many people still suffer in silence, afraid to ask for help or unaware of the resources available.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a significant portion of the U.S. population experiences mental health challenges. More than one in five adults, or 23.1% of the U.S. adult population, live with a diagnosable mental illness. Additionally, more than 50% of individuals with a mental illness do not receive treatment. Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health conditions.
The first step in changing this is breaking the stigma. Talking openly about mental health—at home, in schools, at workplaces—fosters an environment where seeking support is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Just as we wouldn’t hesitate to treat a broken bone or a chronic illness, we must approach therapy, medication or mindfulness practices as valid and vital paths to healing and growth.
In recent years, artists have been doing their part to destigmatize mental health issues by opening up about their own experiences.
Music artists Adele and Alanis Morissette, for example, have shared their experiences with postpartum depression. Billie Eilish opened up about how fame led to depression and suicidal ideation, while Bebe Rexha and Halsey shared their bipolar disorder diagnoses. Guns N’ Roses rocker Duff McKagan, who battles panic disorder, revealed that a new song was written in the midst of a panic attack, while Rick Springfield recalled a past suicide attempt in his memoir.
But awareness must be coupled with access. Equitable mental health care remains out of reach for many, especially in marginalized communities. Investing in mental health infrastructure—training more counselors, expanding telehealth, integrating care into primary services—is not just compassionate; it is practical and vital. Mental well-being is linked to productivity, academic achievement, physical health and community safety. We cannot afford to overlook it.
There are simple, meaningful steps we can all take this month and beyond: check in on loved ones, normalize rest, set boundaries and seek support when needed. Employers can revisit mental health policies. Schools can embed emotional literacy into their curricula. Governments can back funding with urgency. And each of us can start by giving ourselves permission to care—for ourselves and for each other.
Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness. It’s about changing a culture. Let this be the moment we stop treating mental health as an afterthought and start honoring it as a foundation of a thriving life.
