May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a nationally recognized observance since 1949, but the message has never been more urgent. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States has a mental health condition, and more than 1 in 20 experience a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with their daily lives.
Behind these numbers are our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family – people whose suffering is often invisible but very real.
At River Edge Hospital, we have the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who care for individuals and families who navigate these challenges every day. We witness both the weight of unmet need and the extraordinary resilience of those seeking treatment. There is strength and hope in every story.
However, the disparity between those in need of care and those receiving care remains large. Recent data shows that tens of millions of Americans need mental health treatment each year, but many do not seek treatment due to stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to turn. At the same time, we are seeing worrying trends in rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, especially among young people, and increasing demand for crisis services across the country.
The message is clear. Mental health cannot wait.
Encouragingly, there are also signs of progress. Awareness is increasing. More people than ever are opening up about their mental health, and innovations like telemedicine have expanded access to care. Trauma-informed, integrative treatment approaches address mental health, substance use, and physical health simultaneously to help individuals achieve a more sustainable recovery. And importantly, we know that treatment works. A positive outcome is not only possible; They happen every day.
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just a moment, it’s a call to action. Each of us has a role to play in breaking the silence and creating change.
- Listen and show understanding. If you think a loved one is suffering, start with compassion. Listening without judgment is the first step to healing. Encourage them to seek professional help.
- Share lifesaving resources. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 via phone, text, or chat.
- Act in an emergency. If someone has a medical emergency or is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
- Supporting the future of mental health care. We must inspire and invest in the next generation of mental health professionals who can meet our growing care needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling, our team can provide the help you need. Please know: you are not alone. For a level of care assessment, call 708-209-4181 or visit riveredgehospital@com for more information.
Commit to talking openly about mental health. Replace stigma with understanding, silence with conversation, and barriers with access to care.
Katie Hoye, LCSW, River Edge Hospital CEO
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