Mental Health Awareness Month: A Reminder That We All Have Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to open the conversation, reflect on our inner lives, and remind ourselves of a truth that is often overlooked: every single one of us has mental health.
Just like physical health, mental health is a part of being human. It affects how we think, feel, connect with others, and cope with challenges. Yet while most of us wouldn’t hesitate to tend to a sprained ankle, visit the doctor for persistent chest pain, or prioritize exercise and nutrition, mental health often gets pushed aside—until we can’t ignore it anymore.
One of the biggest myths I encounter in therapy is the idea that mental health struggles only happen to “certain people.” But here’s the reality: no one is immune to emotional pain. Depression, anxiety, stress, grief, burnout, and trauma don’t discriminate. They affect people of every age, gender, background, and walk of life—including those who appear to “have it all together” on the outside.
We’ve all felt overwhelmed. We’ve all experienced worry, sadness, fear, frustration, or loneliness at some point. These emotions are not signs of weakness. They are signs of being alive.
Mental Health Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to change the conversation around mental health—from one rooted in stigma and silence to one based in compassion, education, and empowerment.
Mental Health Is Health
When we think of wellness, it’s easy to focus only on the physical: diet, exercise, sleep, and doctor visits. These are essential, yes—but they’re only part of the equation. Our emotional well-being is just as critical. In fact, physical and mental health are deeply intertwined. Chronic stress can impact heart health. Anxiety can affect digestion. Depression can sap your energy and motivation, making it harder to engage in healthy habits.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t require a diagnosis. You don’t need to be “at rock bottom” to check in with yourself or seek support. In the same way we brush our teeth daily and go for check-ups even when we feel fine, mental health care should be proactive, not just reactive.
Mental wellness practices might include:
Setting boundaries to protect your energy
Practicing mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded
Talking to a friend or therapist when emotions feel heavy
Taking breaks when you’re overstimulated or burned out
Engaging in joy—whether that’s creative expression, movement, or time in nature
Saying no when your plate is full
Saying yes to help, connection, and rest when you need it
These aren’t luxuries. They are acts of self-respect.
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone
If you’re struggling right now, please hear this: you are not alone, and how you feel is valid. So many people are quietly carrying emotional pain, but isolation only deepens it. Opening up—whether to a loved one, a support group, or a professional—is not a burden to others. It’s a step toward healing.
Therapy is a powerful tool for navigating mental health, but it’s not about being “broken” or needing someone to “fix” you. Therapy is about creating space to be heard, to understand yourself more deeply, and to build the skills and resilience needed to live a more connected, fulfilling life.
There is no shame in reaching out for help—just like there’s no shame in seeing a doctor when your body needs attention.
Let’s Normalize the Conversation
One of the most powerful things we can do during Mental Health Awareness Month is normalize these conversations. Share your story if you feel comfortable. Check in on your friends and family—not just when something seems wrong, but regularly. Educate yourself. Be compassionate with others, and with yourself.
Let’s talk about therapy without whispering. Let’s challenge the idea that “being strong” means pushing through pain in silence. Real strength lies in vulnerability, in self-awareness, and in asking for support when we need it.
Mental health is everyone’s responsibility—because mental health is everyone’s reality.
Final Thoughts
As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to treat your emotional well-being with the same care you would give to a loved one’s. Make space for rest. Feel your feelings without judgment. Celebrate the small victories. Prioritize your peace.
You don’t need to earn the right to care for yourself. You already deserve it.
Take care of your mind—you live there every day.