May Blog Post
“Mental Health Awareness Month” is Important to Everyone
(Here’s Why)
May is recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the United States, which is a long-standing health awareness campaign dating back to 1949. While most people correctly assume its purpose is to educate communities on mental health challenges and treatment resources, they might not know it’s also intended to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Indeed, these two objectives are closely connected, as the latter adversely affects the former.
Here are important reasons “Mental Health Awareness Month” should be a moment of reflection for everyone along with solutions for improving behavioral health care.
Around 23% of Americans have experienced mental illness
Mental health disorders are far more common than people realize, and the actual numbers are probably higher than what’s even reflected in statistics, since many people are never diagnosed. These conditions range in severity, but they all should be taken seriously. And this figure means even people who haven’t personally experienced mental illness diagnoses likely have family and friends who have.
For perspective, can you imagine how prominent the health awareness campaigns would be if roughly one in four people had a serious cardiovascular condition or neurological disorder? This is not to imply all mental health diagnoses pose comparable health risks, but some do. And even those that are less severe still have very real effects on physical health, relationships, and quality of life.
Less than 50% of Americans with mental illness receive treatment
Other challenges when managing mental health among communities include low rates of treatment and poor patient adherence to medications and care plans. To use the previous analogy, imagine if half of people with cardiovascular disease failed to receive treatment. The results would obviously prove devastating, both to individuals and the health systems working to improve population health. Likewise, unaddressed mental illness affects the greater community in a variety of ways.
By putting mental health at the forefront, “Mental Health Awareness Month,” hopes to expand treatment to a broader group of patients who need it. This is largely achieved by increasing awareness. For example, a single mother who works two jobs and is struggling to pay her bills might think symptoms of depression are inevitable and simply result from her difficult circumstances. But if she learns there are other causes that can be addressed through psychiatry or therapy, this mother is more likely to pursue treatment.
Mental illness adversely affects health
Most people intuitively understand the connection between “mind” and “body.” This realization leads many to prioritize mental wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation. But data also supports the link, and unfortunately poor mental health has real-life effects on physical well being.
For example, research shows anxiety and depression can contribute to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Other direct links between mental and physical health are even more obvious, including the detrimental effects of sleep, eating and substance use disorders. As Medicare and payers continue to promote value-based care models that focus on improving outcomes, more healthcare leaders are prioritizing mental health care as a part of a holistic approach to well-being. This strategy helps mitigate other health risks and even reduces emergency room visits.
70% of Americans believe society views those with mental illness negatively
Even in 2025, the stigma of mental illness is still deeply rooted in American culture. And among certain groups, it’s even more prevalent. For example, studies show approximately 25% of African Americans seek mental health treatment compared to 40% of white individuals. Among Latinos, just 13% of adults aged 18-44 with mental health conditions received treatment.
Stigma likely contributes to disparities in mental health treatment among various communities. “Mental Health Awareness Month” aims to reduce stigma for all groups by acknowledging and normalizing the prevalence of mental health challenges
40% of Americans are unable to access mental health care
Beyond stigma, one of the greatest barriers to mental health care in the United States is lack of access. This is a complicated issue with multiple causes, including provider shortages and funding challenges. Social determinants of health further affect patient access.
Provider shortages result when patient needs within a community exceed the capacity of local providers. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is more common in lower-income and rural areas that struggle to attract and maintain psychiatrists and therapists. And the sad irony is communities that face the greatest provider shortages are often the same ones with the biggest patient needs.
Funding challenges are also significant barriers for many communities that are forced to prioritize emergency services over mental health access. In other words, clinics with tight budgets will allocate for inpatient emergency medical services over outpatient psychiatry or therapy. While this is understandable, it also contributes to a vicious cycle, as studies show many emergency department visits can be prevented by reliable outpatient mental health care and medication management.
Finally, social determinants of health pose a significant barrier to mental health services for many. Things that many people take for granted–including reliable transportation or the ability to take time off work–can prevent some from scheduling critical appointments. And if they do make an initial consultation, they might not reliably attend follow-up appointments or adhere to their medications. These logistical challenges can ultimately result in poor mental health outcomes, some of which lead to bigger health crises as previously discussed.
Actionable solutions to behavioral health care challenges
While public awareness efforts help solve the issue of mental illness stigma, other challenges must be addressed directly by health systems, clinics, and providers. No amount of “awareness” bridges care gaps attributed to provider shortages, funding issues, or social determinants of health. But there are realistic and cost-effective tools to improve the landscape.
Telepsychiatry and “virtual care” options check many of the boxes. First, they improve patient access to care that is otherwise limited by transportation challenges or rural geography. Most people today have smartphones or other connected devices with integrated video capabilities. Second, tele-based tools increase the provider pool in areas with psychiatrist and therapist shortages. For example, a clinic in an urban Bay Area community with no local child psychiatrists might leverage a well-matched, California-licensed provider living in Los Angeles.
Finally, telepsychiatry and therapy can be cost-effective for organizations with tight budgets. Providers are often willing to accept a more competitive pay rate when not commuting to an office and working from the comfort of home. The flexibility of remote work also motivates some providers to consider part-time schedules they would otherwise decline, which helps clinics that need support but cannot afford a full-time hire.
Next Steps
Ultimately, “Mental Health Awareness Month” isn’t just a campaign for those experiencing mental illness. It’s important to everyone, including those without diagnoses. And the effort is especially relevant to healthcare professionals. If you’re a healthcare leader looking for flexible solutions to address behavioral health care challenges, call Orbit Health today for a free telepsychiatry partnership consultation.
Schedule partnership consultation TODAY!
