Things to know this Mental Health Awareness Month

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of caring for our mental well-being.

In recent years, mental health has become a more open topic of discussion. Celebrities, influencers and everyday people are increasingly sharing their experiences with mental health challenges, helping to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support.

According to national statistics, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness each year. Furthermore, 50 percent of lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.

Experts note that anxiety and depression often arise from a variety of factors, not just chemical imbalances or genetics, but also stressors related to work, relationships and daily life. In 2021, nearly half of U.S. adults sought mental health treatment, including therapy and medication.

Dr. Jill Sauerheber, chair of the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University and a licensed professional counselor, emphasizes the importance of speaking with healthcare professionals.

“Talking to medical providers can help all of us manage and find the root cause of anxiety and depressive symptoms,” Dr. Sauerheber says. “Even primary care doctors and OB-GYNs can prescribe medication and provide more in-depth diagnoses.”

While professional help is valuable, experts also advocate for consistent self-care practices. In fact, daily habits can be just as effective – or even more effective – than clinical treatment in some cases.

Simple routines such as regular exercise, quality sleep and a balanced diet can significantly improve mental health. However, experts stress that positive self-talk and meaningful social connections are often the most powerful tools for maintaining mental well-being.

Dr. Sauerheber encourages individuals to strive for what she calls “whole system health,” which involves cultivating personal values and resilience.

“You have to enact personal virtue,” she explains. “That looks different for everyone, but I encourage people to love others and to have courage.”

Her message to anyone struggling: “You can get through this.”

For additional mental health resources, click here.