Mental health was referred to as the new crisis in view of COVID-19 pandemic by WHO. Mental health issues and challenges are so widespread that you can see them in someone sitting next to you but you don’t know what it is or what could help them. Why? Till date, mental health awareness is profoundly poor and the stigma surrounding it is significant on a global scale.
This is why May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time solely dedicated towards highlighting mental well-being and its importance, reducing stigma about mental health issues and conditions, as well as promoting care and support for individuals with mental health conditions.
Why do we need a Mental Health Awareness Month?
Did you know that nearly 60 million adults in the US or 1 in 4 adults have experienced a mental illness in the past year?
The current statistics and data surrounding mental health and treatment are not only shocking but on the rise. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:
- In 2024, 57.8 million adults had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care
- In 2022, the US recorded its highest number of suicide deaths in history, with 49,000 people dying by suicide
- About 50% of adolescents and 30% of young adults in US have a mental health illness
- Serious mental illness costs the US more than $190 billion in lost earnings every year
- Mental health crises account for 60 million primary care visits and 6 million ER visits annually
Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
This annual recognition began in 1949 by Mental Health America in US and is now celebrated globally. This year, 2025, the mental health initiatives in the limelight are community driven approaches by Mental Health America and every year it has the following purposes to help further awareness about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to:
- Promote education and awareness initiatives for public
- Reduce stigma, foster open conversations and acceptance
- Encourage early intervention
- Promote equal access to support and treatment
- Share resources, support groups and emergency services
- Advocate for improved mental health policies
Mental health Webinars and Resources
Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are offering a wide range of mental health webinars, graphics and education resources in order to promote awareness and access to support services for general public.
Mental Health America also has many treatment resources, assessment, crisis services for individuals with mental health concerns as well as fun resources and outreach ideas for you to get involved in helping spread awareness.
At North America Behavioral Health Services, we are also working on disseminating information and resources, backed by experts and evidence-based treatment. Our goal is to empower you to with tools that help you on your mental health journey.
Workplace Mental Health Support & Employee Mental Health Initiatives
Workplace mental health support is extremely necessary and beneficial in improving employee productivity, engagement, satisfaction as well as helping reduce absenteeism and stress.
When you are an employee and you are proactive about implementing mental health initiatives in your workplace that are dynamic, engaging and cost-effective, you have the power to transform your workplace environment and culture.
Nowadays, employees are using a variety of employee mental health initiatives such as offering free and specialized mental health resources, training managers and supervisors, coworkers support groups, partnering with local therapists, adding mental health days in leave policies, access to confidential counseling services through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and so on, to promote and offer improved workplace mental health support for all employees.
Anxiety Management Strategies
Stress and anxiety are some of the most common mental health challenges faced in US and globally. When you hear about mental health awareness, stress management and anxiety management tips are given. Can you guess what are the most effective anxiety management strategies?
It is actually a combination of mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, therapy, lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, check out ADAA or Anxiety and Depression Association of America, which provides evidence-based resources and easy to understand webinars on managing anxiety.
Self-Care and Well-Being Tools
Self-care and mental wellness go hand in hand. In today’s digital world, make use of convenient and easy to use mental health apps and well-being digital tools.
Some such resources include meditation and mental wellness apps such as Calm, Headspace, Clarify, Clarity, Fabulous designed for a variety of users. Some of these apps also include journaling prompts.
Virtual support groups for specific concerns provide the perfect interaction between anonymity and support from the comfort of your own home, search for virtual support group for mental health, virtual support group for alcoholics, virtual support group for autism, virtual support group for OCD or any specific concern to help you connect with the right support system.
There are also many comprehensive mental health workshops you can participate in that promote a holistic mental health perspective and give self-care tips that promote overall wellbeing.
Access to Confidential Counseling Services
The most important aspect of mental health treatment, support services is the maintenance of confidentiality. This is a major reason why many individuals do not seek or access mental health support and treatment. This is why it is important to find verified mental health resources, hotlines, therapists and other support services that uphold confidentiality in counseling services.
You can contact us at NABHS to get more information and get connected to confidential counseling services in your region. Alternatively, you can search for therapist near me or psychologist near me to research about and connect with the right therapist for your needs.
Mental health Awareness Month is actually a reminder of the importance of mental health in every aspect of life. By getting acquainted with the appropriate resources available online, you can be assured that you are taking the right step towards promoting mental health awareness and creating a world where mental health is valued and protected.
This May, prioritize your mental health and support those around you in doing the same.
Mental health should always be a priority
