Apr 27, 2026.webp)
Mental Health Month is this May. It’s a month to raise awareness of mental illnesses and their treatment options. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the US suffer from a mental health issue, with 1 in 20 experiencing a severe or debilitating mental illness.
Awareness around mental health issues and treatment options has come a long way since Mental Health Awareness month started in 1949, but there’s still work to be done. This article takes you through some of the most important facts about Mental Health Awareness month, mental health resources available to you, and common misconceptions about mental health.
What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?
The goal of Mental Health Month is to increase awareness of the importance of mental health, the resources available to those struggling with their mental health, and to fight the stigma associated with mental health services.
Mental Health Month was started in 1949 by Mental Health for America. Their goal was to increase the awareness of the importance of mental health. Therapy and other important, life-saving resources have become more commonplace today, but there are still many barriers people must overcome to treat their mental health.
When Is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Month is in May, and has been since 1949 when Mental Health America started the movement.
There are also key movements and days for mental health in October, when the Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place. Together, these weeks, days, and events help create a message throughout the year: Your mental health matters, and there are ways to treat mental illnesses.
Why Is Mental Health Awareness Month Important?
Mental health issues are as prevalent as ever. Let’s look at some facts facing many people today:
1 in 5 adults struggles with a mental health issue
1 in 20 adults has a severe mental illness
Statistics by type of mental illness:
19.1% of adults have an anxiety disorder
8.3% struggle with depression
5% have PTSD
2.8% have Bipolar Disorder
1.4% have Borderline Personality Disorder
1.2% have Binge Eating Disorder
1.2% have OCD
1.2% have Schizophrenia
Statistics by age:
18 to 25: 36.2%
26 to 49: 29.4%
50 and older: 13.9%
49% of adolescents aged 13-18 will have a mental health disorder
The impact of mental illness is profound. People with a mental illness experience hardships such as:
Children are 3 times more likely to repeat a grade.
9% of US adults with a mental illness are unemployed (compared to 4.3% of adults without an illness).
People with a severe mental illness have a lifespan 10-25 years shorter.
67% of unhoused people have a mental illness.
Mental health issues cost the US $282 billion each year.
Mental health is still something worth talking about. For the people struggling, bringing awareness to these issues provides a light and a way out. For the loved ones of those struggling, awareness and advocacy help them support in meaningful ways while also taking care of their own mental health. And for our communities- strengthening individual mental health strengthens the whole.
Breaking the Stigma
Many people who have a mental health issue aren’t able to get help for it. The reasons why include:
Too expensive
No providers near them
Lack of awareness of resources
Shame surrounding getting help
Most insurances cover mental health therapy, making it a more affordable option for many. Learn about how insurance for therapy works here. Virtual counseling is also a good option for those who live in rural areas or who live in a provider drought and are facing long wait lists to see a professional.
No Waitlists. No Rush. Therapy On Your Time.
Book in less than 10 minutes, and see your therapist within 14 days! Insurance accepted.
Negative misconceptions can also stop people from reaching out. Some common misconceptions about mental health include:
“Mental illness means you’re weak.”: Many people believe mental health struggles are a sign of personal failure, rather than recognizing them as real medical and psychological conditions.
“Therapy is only for severe problems.”: There’s a misconception that you should only seek help if things are “really bad,” when in reality therapy can benefit anyone dealing with stress, life changes, or personal growth.
“People with mental illness are dangerous.” : Media portrayals often reinforce the false idea that individuals with mental health conditions are violent, when most are far more likely to be harmed than to harm others.
“You should be able to ‘just get over it.” This stigma minimizes the complexity of mental health challenges, ignoring that recovery often requires time, support, and sometimes professional treatment.
Having a mental illness does not mean that you are weak, dangerous, or hopeless. Many people with mental health issues have happy, healthy lives surrounded by a community.
Resources For Your Mental Health
Knowing where to start is often the hardest step. Here are a few easy steps you can take right now to take care of your mental health and that of your community.
- Schedule a Therapy Appointment: It takes 10 minutes, is covered by insurance, and can be life-changing for your mental health. Therapy is effective at treating most mental health disorders.
- Explore Mental Health America’s Action Guide. Get printouts, tips, and other resources on their website.
- Call a Hotline: If you need help now, a mental health hotline is one answer.
- Call or text 988, the mental health emergency line
- Text Home to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
- Volunteer: Research shows that helping others helps us feel better about ourselves, can help prevent depression, and is, all in all, good for our mental health.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors: Check in with your friends, family, and neighbors. Have honest, open conversations about mental health. Ask them how they’re truly doing, and be honest in return.
Greater mental health starts with a conversation. Whether you’re having that conversation with a therapist, hotline, friend, or a stranger, let’s start talking about mental health.
Ready to take the first step with therapy? Contact Lifebulb to be matched with a therapist near you. Scheduling only takes 10 minutes and you’ll see your therapist within 14 days.
