The importance of mental health is recognized today more than ever. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time set aside to spotlight mental health issues, combat stigmas surrounding mental health conditions and to assess the status of one’s own mental health.

“Paying attention to our mental health is a practice we all need to develop,” said Sheriff Brent Miller. “The fact is, mental health is every bit as important to our well-being as physical health.”

Mental Health Awareness Month began as a national observance in 1949 with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of mental well-being. 

While great strides have been made regarding attitudes toward mental health, the truth is many Americans don’t have access to the care they need. Here are some sobering statistics regarding mental health in America from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

• 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.

• Only 47.2% of adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021.

• 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness each year.

• Only 65.4% of adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2021.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.

• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

“Millions of Americans struggle with mental health issues each year,” said Sheriff Miller. “It’s important to foster dialogues and approach the issue with empathy and understanding. There should be no guilt or shame associated with mental health conditions which are common, manageable, and treatable.”

The 2024 theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”

Mental Health America notes that the world is constantly changing, and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you.

MHA stresses that it is never too soon to seek treatment for your mental health. Getting help early saves lives.

The following are important mental health resources:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service

• Mental Health America Screenings provide a free, anonymous way to determine if someone is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take the test at mhascreening.org