It started in 1949 โ a simple campaign to bring mental health into public view. Back then, most conversations about depression, anxiety, or trauma happened behind closed doors โ if they happened at all.
Today, more than 70 years later, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed nationwide every May. But the need for awareness has only grown.
Every day, people in our communities โ neighbors, coworkers, parents, teens โ quietly carry the weight of mental health struggles. For some, itโs anxiety that makes daily life overwhelming. For others, itโs depression that keeps them isolated. And for many, the fear of stigma keeps them from reaching out.
This month, we shine a light on those silent battles. We elevate the voices that often go unheard. And most importantly, we remind everyone: you are not alone โ and healing is possible.
Mental Health by the Numbers: The Reality in 2024
Mental health challenges are more common than many of us realize โ and they affect people from every walk of life.
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year
- Only 50% receive treatment
- 27% of women report symptoms of anxiety or depression, compared to 18% of men
- Among adolescents, more than 1 in 3 high schoolers report poor mental health
- In Arizona, rates of adolescent anxiety and depression have climbed steadily over the past five years
- Arizona ranks 50th in access to adult mental health care in the U.S.
These are more than just statistics. Behind every number is a person โ someone whoโs struggling, someone whoโs trying, someone whoโs hoping for relief. Mental Health Awareness Month isnโt just about the data. Itโs about the lives behind it.
Why Awareness Matters
Stigma still keeps too many people in the dark โ afraid to open up, unsure where to turn, or convinced they have to face it alone. Others may not even realize that what theyโre feeling is something they can get help for.
Thatโs why mental health awareness month matters. Because when we talk openly about mental health, we permit others to do the same. We help normalize what so many silently endure.
Whether you’re living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a diagnosis like PTSD or bipolar disorder โ or if you’re simply feeling like you’re not yourself โ you matter, and so does your healing. Everyone deserves care thatโs compassionate, informed, and deeply respectful.
Mental Health in Arizona: Challenges & Community Response
In Arizona, the challenges are real: long waitlists, limited providers, and a growing demand for services. But community responses are gaining momentum.
Events like the Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference (September 2024 at ASU SkySong) are helping bring these conversations into the open, gathering people who care, who listen, and who are working to make change happen.
More providers and organizations across the state are stepping up to offer inclusive, trauma-informed, and holistic care โ care that sees the full person, not just the diagnosis.
Mental Health Affects Everyone, But Not Always the Same Way
Men
Many men are taught to push through pain โ to stay silent, stay strong, stay stoic. But that silence can become a heavy burden. Left untreated, emotional distress can evolve into depression, anxiety, substance use, or even suicidal thoughts.
Nearly four out of five suicides in the U.S. are men. That statistic alone tells us: something has to change. Mental health support that honors menโs experiences โ without shame or judgment โ can open the door to real healing.
Women
For many women, mental health challenges are layered โ shaped by hormonal shifts, trauma, motherhood, societal pressure, and expectations to โkeep it all together.โ
Women are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety and face higher risks of PTSD and depression. Too often, they put their own well-being last. But when women are supported with the right tools, space, and care, they thrive โ and in turn, they help lift everyone around them.
Adolescents
Teens today are facing pressures that didnโt exist a generation ago. Social media, academic pressure, identity struggles, and post-pandemic isolation have created a perfect storm for mental health issues.
Over one-third of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Thatโs not just alarming โ itโs heartbreaking. Our youth need more than awareness โ they need safety, compassion, and access to care that meets them where they are.
How to Get Involved During Mental Health Awareness Month
You donโt have to be a professional to make a difference. Whether youโre someone in recovery, a loved one, or simply someone who cares โ your voice matters.
Hereโs how you can help:
- Start conversations: You never know who might be silently struggling
- Share resources: A simple recommendation could change (or save) someoneโs life
- Attend local events: Community connection is part of healing
- Take care of yourself: Model healthy boundaries and seek help when needed
- Ask for help: Reaching out is never a weakness โ itโs courage
Local Mental Health Resources in Arizona
If you or someone you know is in need of support, here are trusted local resources:
- Crisis Response Network Arizona โ 1-844-534-HOPE (4673)
- Teen Lifeline (Arizona) โ 602-248-TEEN (8336)
- Mental Health Matters Arizona โ Event Info
- NAMI Arizona โ namiarizona.org
- Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center โ Contact Us
Weโre Here When Youโre Ready
At Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, we provide a full continuum of care โ from outpatient therapy to dual diagnosis treatment โ in a space that is welcoming, supportive, and deeply invested in your well-being.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect, reach out, or take a step forward โ whether for yourself or someone else.
Because healing happens when we show up for each other. And no one has to do it alone. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a confidential consultation
FAQs About Mental Health Awareness Month
Is May or October Mental Health Awareness Month?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. October also includes World Mental Health Day, but May is nationally recognized across the U.S.
What are the 7 types of mental disorders?
They include: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders.
What color is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Green is the official color for mental health awareness, symbolizing renewal, growth, and hope.
What is the #1 most diagnosed mental disorder?
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults annually.