Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2025 is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s review resources for cultivating awareness for mental wellbeing.

Whose Mental Health?

Mental health matters for everyone.

Segments of the population may be ignored when we speak of mental health. Groups of people may be less likely to access mental health services. Certain groups of people may be at greater risk for long-term consequences if mental health issues are not addressed. Socially, we may not recognize the risks of untreated mental health issues to some groups of people. People may not have access to mental health treatment.

All of these groups are marginalized in one sense or another. That marginalization leads to disparities in healthcare delivery.

Who Are Marginalized Communities?

Marginalized communities, at risk for consequences of not receiving treatment for mental health issues are multiple, even in the USA. A tragedy in the USA because the USA is the wealthiest country in the world, wealthiest over the entire history of the world. As a result of wealth disparities; discrimination taught and learnt; healthcare deserts; and stigma; marginalized communities exist in the USA.

Here is a brief list of marginalized communities:

• The Elderly
• Children
• People Who Have Survived Genocide
• Veterans
• Pregnant Women
• People Living with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
• People Residing in Rural Areas
• People of Colour
• Certain Cultural Groups Who Do Not Recognize Mental Illness
• Certain Religious Groups Who Do Not Accept Mental Health Treatment
• People Living in Poverty
• People Living with Homelessness
• LGBTQIA Community Members

If one of us is struggling with mental health issues, each one of us is affected. Our communities are impacted. Community wellbeing depends on the wellbeing of the individual members of the community.

What We Can Do for Mental Health Awareness

We can become aware of mental health needs and resources. We can educate ourselves and educate each other. We have to take action to improve mental health awareness: the mental wellbeing of our communities depends on us to take action.

Here are some resources to consult for further information:

1. MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, a partnership of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical Center: https://womensmentalhealth.org/
2. Richmond, L.M. (February 25, 2025). Mental Health and Access Disparities for LGB Population. Accessed online on April 20, 2025, at https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2025.03.3.8
3. Interview with Dr. Cherish Smith on Neurocognitive Dysfunction and Decline. Trauma Code episode with Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Raphael. Accessed online on April 20, 2025, at https://zencastr.com/z/dZyQpvxl
4. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (March 7, 2025). NIH-Designated Populations with Health Disparities. Accessed online on April 20, 2025, at https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/nih-designated-populations-experiencing-health-disparities.html

This is not an exhaustive list. Do your own research and see what you find. There are plenty of scientifically well-founded resources available: always consider the source.

Call To Action for Mental Health Awareness

Aside from informing ourselves and sharing information with others, we can take additional actions to promote mental health awareness and mental wellbeing.

Call your elected officials. The telephone number for federal elected officials is 202.224.2131 (TTY 202.225.1904). Reach out to your state elected officials.

Find out which agencies in your community offer mental health services.

Contact your local health department about state funded services.

Contact the local hospital, if you are lucky enough to have a community hospital in your community, and ask about services and support groups for persons with mental health issues and support groups for family members of persons with mental health issues.

Home Free recently released a cover of Jelly Roll’s song, ‘I’m Not Okay’. Take a listen and be inspired. We live in a community, not in a vacuum. Your mental wellbeing affects the wellbeing of the community:

Take a moment to consider if you would benefit from mental health treatment for yourself.

We are stronger together. Wellbeing for all to ensure we remain United.

Be well. Be safe. Take a stand for mental health awareness and mental wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to substitute for a consultation with your mental health professional treatment team.

If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or of hurting someone else, please CALL 9-1-1; CALL 9-8-8; or GO TO the nearest Emergency Room.

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