The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to inform people about the importance of mental health across the nation.
Why Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. It was first commemorated by the Mental Health America organization, which was then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and then later as the National Mental Health Association before it got its current name.
The association was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers, who was born in 1876 in Connecticut, and was one of five children in his family who all suffered from mental illness and psychological distress. All of them also went on to spend time at mental institutions and it was from his hospital admittance that he discovered that the mental health field had a notorious reputation for malpractice, maltreatment, and immense bias.
Beers went on to author “A Mind That Found Itself”, which is a bestseller even today. Gaining popularity and support from medical professionals, Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Beers and his colleagues at the association wanted to find ways to make sure that mental health patients not only received the right care but also did not feel alone in their fight against mental diseases.
Key Facts about Mental Health in the U.S.
Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disparity:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
- In 2023, 20% of all high school students seriously considered suicide.
This Year’s Theme: “In Every Story, There’s Strength”
Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) celebrates the power of storytelling to fuel connection, understanding, and hope for those navigating their own mental health path. Each story shared is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.
Don’t Let Stigma Keep You From Getting Help
The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being.
For the past 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.
Need Help?
- If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
- To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
- To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
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