Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Mental Health

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to talk openly about something that impacts every single human: mental health. 

This year’s theme, More Good Days, Together, encourages us to think about what it means to build a community where more good days are possible for everyone.

Whether you’ve personally experienced a challenge, supported someone who has, or simply want to better understand your own mental health, now’s a great time to learn, reflect, and raise awareness.

Here’s a look at five things everyone should know about mental health:

1. Mental Health is a Key Part of Overall Health

Mental health isn’t separate from physical health. In fact, they are connected in many ways. Mental health conditions like depression have been linked to an increased risk for physical health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. At the same time, living with a chronic health condition can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition. 

You wouldn’t ignore a broken bone or try to “tough out” a disease like diabetes. You’d seek help from a professional. The same should be true for mental health. Your mental health deserves attention and care. It’s part of your overall health.

2. Mental Health Conditions Can Affect Anyone

Mental health concerns are more common than you may think. In the U.S., more than one in five adults lives with a mental illness. Mental health challenges can impact people of any age, gender, income level, or life experience.

Chances are, you know someone who has experienced a mental health challenge or is living with mental illness. At some point in life, you may face mental health symptoms, too. You’re not alone, and neither is anyone else.

3. Prevention Matters

Some mental health conditions can be prevented with the right support and awareness. Early intervention and access to mental health resources can help people build resilience and healthy coping skills, manage stress, and understand how and when to seek help.

For many people, promoting positive mental health is about living a healthy lifestyle where talking about mental health is normalized. Some basic mental health tips include: 

• Build a support system you can turn to when you need help
• Eat nutritious food
• Get enough sleep
• Stay active
• Practice mindfulness
• Find a therapist or counselor you feel comfortable talking to about your mental health

4. People Living with Mental Illness Can — and Do — Lead Full, Meaningful Lives

It’s important to know that people living with a chronic mental health condition can take control of their lives. They can work, build a family, pursue their passions, and contribute to their communities — just like anyone else. Recovery is an ongoing process, but with the right support, people can and do thrive.

5. Help is Always Available

No matter what someone is facing, help and hope are always here. There are people who care, ready to listen and provide support without judgment.

How to Find Help
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 now. If you simply need someone to talk to, call our 24/7 hotline at 877-695-6333 for free, confidential support.

From treatment and recovery to prevention and education, Mental Health Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton Counties is your starting point for help. We connect residents to quality services and programs from trusted providers right here in your community.

Remember, you are not alone. Reaching out is the first step to feeling better.

Together, we can reduce stigma surrounding mental health and help more people have more good days.