May is Mental Health Awareness Month | 2025

jdoyle8775
May 16
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. And while it may not be an easy topic to talk about, the Foundation has always recognized and supported organizations that work to help kids and adults with mental health issues.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION, HELP IS AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE. You can call or text “988” (or chat online at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website) for free, confidential and immediate help. You can also call 1-800-662 HELP (4357) to access the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 helpline. Finally, find help in the First Trust Employee Assistance Program HERE.

What is Mental Health (according to the CDC)? Mental health encompasses--and influences--emotional, psychological and social well-being. It likewise determines how an individual handles stress, relates to others and it also helps to create healthy decision-making. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. In fact, doctors in the field stress that it’s important to remember that every person has mental health and it’s necessary to take care of your brain just as you do your physical health. And as Dr. Angeleena Francis, a licensed mental health counselor and the executive Director at AMFH Healthcare, says, “mental illness is a disease and like any other medical condition, individuals need support, intervention and continued care to address their symptoms.” She also points out that talking about mental health “does not cause or increase mental health issues or diagnosis but rather allows for individuals to seek help at lower levels of care” since many mental health services are now offered in primary care settings.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders), research shows that mental illnesses are common in the U.S., affecting "tens of millions of people each year." It further reports that only "half of people with mental illnesses" receive treatment.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) says that "it is important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact -- and so we can show that no one is alone". FAST FACTS:

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 aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24

How Does Mental Health Impact Communities?

1 out of every 8 ER visits involve a mental health or substance abuse disorder
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, drive most hospitalizations for Americans under the age of 45 (adjusting for pregnancy and childbirth)
Nearly 21% of those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity have a serious mental health condition
The majority of youth (70%) in juvenile detention centers have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder
Severe mental health conditions cost the U.S. economy $193.2 billion in lost revenue

Anxiety. Generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorders are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the U.S. and affect 42.5 million adults.
Depression. 21 million American adults are living with depression, while 3.7 million people ages 12-17 experience major depression and 2.5 million people ages 12-17 experience severe depression.

Treatment for Anxiety and Depression. Among the most common of illnesses patients report to doctors are anxiety and depression. There are many things YOU can do to help these conditions, including lifestyle changes such as improved sleep habits, increasing social support, reducing your stress and regular exercise. Of course, you should seek help from your doctor if your symptoms don't respond to lifestyle changes or they get worse. There are many online sources to help you, and there are even therapy practices who now offer services via phone and Zoom-type services. Your overall health is important! Don't hesitate to get the help you need.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION, HELP IS AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE. You can call or text “988” (or chat online at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website) for free, confidential and immediate help. You can also call 1-800-662 HELP (4357) to access the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 helpline. Finally, find help in the First Trust Employee Assistance Program HERE. Additional resources are available for download below.