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Mental Health Awareness Month: A Call to Action

The Need for Mental Health Awareness

Americans continue to confront an ongoing mental health crisis, with increasing reports of loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.

• The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 23% of Americans over the age of 18 and 34% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have lived with a mental illness during the past year.
• The same survey found that 12,800,000 adults had serious thoughts of suicide during the past year.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness is crucial for removing the stigma associated with mental illness and emphasizing scientific findings regarding mental health recovery.

“Mental well-being is equally as important as physical well-being for citizens, communities, schools, businesses, and the economy in the United States.”

Disparities in Mental Health Treatment

Disparities remain in access to mental health treatment for communities of color, with Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and Black individuals less likely to receive mental health care than their White counterparts.

• 46% of Black adults say they are experiencing more stress and mental health challenges, but just 21% say they have received treatment or care for their mental health.
• 45% of Native American adults have experienced more stress and mental health challenges, with only 24% receiving treatment.

A Call to Action

It is essential that the United States provides additional funding and resources to support veterans with mental health needs and expands funding for mental health services.

We must draw on Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being, ensure access to appropriate coverage and services, and support an overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.

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