Mental Health Month Facts for May

Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental Health Month) is recognized in the United States each May and has been observed every year since 1949. The purpose of Mental Health Month is to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness by raising awareness of mental health conditions and those who have them. At Centerstone, we recognize the importance of positive mental well-being throughout the year, but use the month of May to go the extra mile to show our support for the cause.

Stats on mental health

Each year, millions of Americans face mental illness. In fact, more than 51 million people experienced mental illness in 2019.

• 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience mental illness each year.
• It is estimated that only 45% of adults and 51% of children with a mental illness receive treatment.
• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting more than 19% of the adult population each year.

How can you help support Mental Health Month?

• Connect with friends, family, and other individuals and strike-up some positive dialogue about mental health and the importance of ending the stigma.
• Learn more about mental health by utilizing the resources below or by talking to a mental health professional about what they do.
• Offer support to your loved ones when they open up to you about their struggles with mental illness.
• Tell you story! If you live with a mental illness, sharing your story can be a powerful way to support others who may be experiencing a similar situation.

Want to help fight the stigma and share this information? Download our Mental Health Month Fact Sheet.

Need to talk to a mental health professional? Call Centerstone at 1-877-HOPE123 (877-467-3123) or visit centerstone.org/connect-with-us/ to get connected with care.