Editorial: Challenge myths, support honest conversations during Mental Health Awareness Month
Updated: 5:25 PM CDT May 9, 2025
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This offers us a vital reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.We talk openly about our physical aches and pains, but when it comes to mental health, stigma and misunderstanding still linger. Too often, myths like “depression is all in your head” or “it’s a sign of weakness” prevent people from seeking the help they need.Diagnosing mental health is also complicated by the stigma. Because diagnosing it requires an honest, vulnerable conversation. Oftentimes, when addiction or depression is covered up it leads to isolation and even misdiagnoses.Every spring we say things like “get out and smell the flowers.” But for our loved ones who struggle with their mental health, that doesn’t seem possible. And worse, they may not be able to explain why. They may know they shouldn’t be sad, but that’s all they feel.This May, let’s challenge the myths and support honest, grace-filled conversations. Let’s encourage each other, and those closest to us, to get a mental health check-up and seek help with any of our mental health challenges. Let’s reassure our friends that seeking help and being vulnerable is being brave. And that it’s OK not to be OK. No one should have to struggle alone. Support and understanding can make all the difference. Together, we can break the silence, end the stigma and build a culture where mental health is valued and protected for everyone.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This offers us a vital reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
We talk openly about our physical aches and pains, but when it comes to mental health, stigma and misunderstanding still linger. Too often, myths like “depression is all in your head” or “it’s a sign of weakness” prevent people from seeking the help they need.
Diagnosing mental health is also complicated by the stigma. Because diagnosing it requires an honest, vulnerable conversation. Oftentimes, when addiction or depression is covered up it leads to isolation and even misdiagnoses.
Every spring we say things like “get out and smell the flowers.” But for our loved ones who struggle with their mental health, that doesn’t seem possible. And worse, they may not be able to explain why. They may know they shouldn’t be sad, but that’s all they feel.
This May, let’s challenge the myths and support honest, grace-filled conversations. Let’s encourage each other, and those closest to us, to get a mental health check-up and seek help with any of our mental health challenges. Let’s reassure our friends that seeking help and being vulnerable is being brave. And that it’s OK not to be OK.
No one should have to struggle alone. Support and understanding can make all the difference. Together, we can break the silence, end the stigma and build a culture where mental health is valued and protected for everyone.
