05/12/2026
May is National mental health awareness month.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental health issues come in many types and with varying levels of severity.
Everyone talks about physical health and often sympathizes if someone is suffering from an ailment or disease; but for some reason mental health is considered taboo.
Why is it that if you have high blood pressure or something like that people freely talk about treatments, and medications but if you have a mental disorder you should just be stronger or pray more, or something else.
It makes people nervous to talk about. They avoid it for many reasons like fear of appearing crazy , broken, defective, labeled and sometimes ostracized or ridiculed.
They are often ashamed to talk about their own mental illness or discuss their struggles. They feel like they shouldn’t or wouldn’t have these issues if they were ———— or did———- or didn’t do ———. Things like being a stronger person or a better person or a better Christians or ( fill in the blank_________)
We often don’t talk with others about their struggles because we downplay it , don’t want to recognize that there is an issue, find it embarrassing or uncomfortable, or don’t know what to do or how to help them.
We as a society need to do better!
I guarantee that you know someone with a mental health issue or have one yourself.
Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, anger issues, control issues, sleep /insomnia issues, bipolar, paranoia, psychosis, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders and depression just to name a few.
I personally know loved ones and friends who have either struggled with or are struggling with eating disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety, ptsd, prenatal, post natal and depression.
There is a difference between sadness, unhappiness and depression. In the past, I have heard people talking about others with depression say things like: they are just unhappy, they just need to get over it or just make your mind up to be happy, be more grateful, appreciate life more, be glad for what you have because it could be worse, etc…
It is not that easy. Sometimes hormones, and chemicals are out of balance. There are many factors at work. Maybe trauma( physical, mental, emotional, or sexual)grief or loss.
In a low or overwhelming moment someone you know will contemplate a permanent solution to their pain and suffering. Don’t be afraid to talk to others about suicidal thoughts. Suicide ends their pain, but it transfers it to the ones that loved them because it leaves a hole in their life and their hearts. It leaves many raw emotions and unanswered questions. 
National suicide/crisis helpline:
988
Mental illness and disorders affect young, old, rich, poor, etc…
Talk with your friends , family and others. Check in on them. Listen non judgmentally to them. Be there for them if they will let you. If need be, encourage them to talk to someone or get help.
Let’s all do our part to help raise awareness and do away with the negative stigma.
I always say, “ Everyone has an addiction and everyone has a mental health issue.” Some are just more visible and recognizable than others.
If you are struggling or need help please call a friend, a family member, clergy, or 988.
