May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is here—and with it comes blooming flowers, warmer days, and something even more important: Mental Health Awareness Month.

For many, mental health is an invisible weight. It doesn’t show up in X-rays or blood tests, but it affects how we think, feel, and live our daily lives. Whether it’s anxiety that whispers doubts into your ear, depression that drains your energy, or bipolar swings that make life feel like a rollercoaster, mental illness can feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone.

One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year. That means someone you know—a friend, a co-worker, a family member—is struggling right now, even if you can’t see it.

That’s why May matters.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to speak up, listen deeply, and offer compassion without judgment. It’s a reminder to check in with yourself and with those around you. It’s a time to normalize therapy, medication, self-care, and rest. It’s a chance to replace silence with understanding, change from prejudice and discrimination to acceptance and support.

For me, mental health awareness is personal. I’ve lived with bipolar disorder for over a decade. I’ve had days when just getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain. Sometimes, the heightened energy keeps me awake all night. And I’ve had breakthroughs—moments of hope, healing, and peace. I was able to achieve this through continued treatment by my psychiatrist and therapist, as well as my strong faith. I share my story not because it’s unique, but because it’s common—and we need to talk about it more.

So this May, I invite you to do one small thing:
Start a conversation. Light a candle. Post a message. Wear green. Make space—for yourself, for others, for healing.

Because mental health is wellness. And everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported.