Celebrated annually in May, Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to promote awareness, offer resources and education, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of all. In the United States today, it is estimated that 23% of adults and 20% of children under the age of 18 live with a mental health condition. The number of children impacted by mental illness has increased by over 40% compared to the decade before 2019. These statistics reveal the importance of bringing awareness to this topic and decreasing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Mental Health Month was created by Mental Health America in 1949. This year’s theme, Turn Awareness Into Action, sheds light on the importance of seeking help, supporting those around us who may be struggling, and advocating for change in the mental health space.

Sources: 

nimh.nih.org 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

BCBSRI offers the following programs and resources to our members: