May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Remember: You are Not Alone
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are reflecting on the theme of sharing lived experience and “turning silence into connection”. If you or someone you care for has been struggling with mental health challenges, you have likely felt misunderstood, isolated, stigmatized, or hopeless at some point. Take a few moments to reflect on how your experience might connect you to the broader human experience:
Roughly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year:
Over 1 in 5 adults (1 in 9 adolescents) have an anxiety disorderi1 in 12 adults (1 in 6 adolescents) have experienced depression in the past yearii
1 in 9 children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)iii
Among people 12 or older, 1 in 6 had a past-year substance use disorderiv
In 2022, 23% of young adults reported receiving mental health treatment (counseling and/or medication)v
Many of us feel alone in our struggle, but the numbers show that mental health challenges are far more common than we might think. Remember that by choosing to share your own struggles with mental health, you increase not only the chances of getting the support you need, but maybe also be helping someone else to feel comfortable seeking the help they need.
How Talk Therapy Helps
One of the major changes we have seen in recent decades has been the normalization of seeking mental health services, with many more individuals and families opting to seek support when they need it.
Talk therapy can take various forms and can support mental health in a variety of ways. For some, the focus might be on building coping and communication skills for navigating life changes and relationships. For others, processing trauma and working through issues relating to self-esteem might be central. Therapy can help with building healthier routines and habits in life as well as addressing specific symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other diagnoses.
To better understand the different types of therapy, read our article. If you know someone who has benefited from therapy, you could also ask them to share more about their experience and what they have gained from it.
What To Do Next
If you are ready to start the journey with therapy and mental health support, it might feel daunting to know where to begin. Here are a few resources to guide you:
Psychology Today Find a Therapist: a nationwide database that allows you to search for therapists with availability and options to filter by factors such as specialization, insurance networks, and telehealth options.
Zocdoc: a great resource for finding psychiatrists near you if you are seeking to explore medication options.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): educational materials, links to support groups, and other mental health resources.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — a 24/7 support line you can call or text if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress.
We also encourage you to contact us if you would like to explore mental health services at the Brandt Center. Our staff will be happy to help you find the right fit for your needs!