Why Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 Matters

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance initiated in 1949 by Mental Health America. It aims to educate the public about mental well-being, provide support to those affected, and reduce the social stigma associated with mental health conditions.

While we have made significant headway in the mental health space—like introducing standardized diagnosis and classification criteria, and hosting more public discussions—there’s still so much to do. 

 

A Global Health Issue

According to Mental Health America’s 2024 screening data, 4 out of 5 people showed signs of a mental health condition. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported that in 2019, 1 out of 8 individuals worldwide (around 970 million people) had a mental health disorder. This number grew dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which anxiety rose to 26% and depression to 28% in just one year. 

The number of people affected by mental health conditions is rising, with children and adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Among 10 to 19-year-olds, 1 in 7 (14%) are estimated to experience mental health conditions, including emotional and behavioral disorders.

Their cases, however, remain largely unrecognized and untreated due to limited mental health access and their reluctance to seek professional help as they fear shame and stigma. The sad reality is that individuals with poor mental health are more prone to social isolation, discrimination, learning difficulties, and risk-taking behaviors. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29. Poor mental health also causes physical health issues and human rights violations. 

 

A Call To Combat the Crisis

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month is “Turn Awareness Into Action.” While there have been efforts to raise awareness on mental health issues, we need to move beyond recognizing the problem and engage communities and organizations towards taking concrete steps in resolving them.

Individuals, especially those who suffer from mental health conditions, should also share their stories to help create a community that listens, empathizes, and embraces individuals with mental health issues. Solidarity begins by making them feel included and supported instead of discriminated against.

 

Breaking Down Barriers and Bridging Gaps With IMANA

A study shows that Muslims born outside the U.S. were less likely to have lifetime mood disorders like  PTSD compared to Muslims born in the U.S. This suggests that discrimination and U.S. cultural influences may be partly responsible for disorders in American Muslims

Among the self-identified U.S.-based Muslims in the study, 3.62% have lifetime PTSD, 15.3% have mood disorders, and 9.96% have lifetime anxiety disorders. 

Through the years, IMANA has worked to raise awareness about this public health issue and improve access to professional help by creating a free directory of mental health doctors and experts. 

We also provide informative resources that aim to improve the public’s understanding of mental health so that those who suffer from it or know someone who does can begin a journey of treatment and support.

 

Investing in Mental Health

As individuals and members of society, it is our duty to support each other’s mental well-being. Failure to do so can have far-reaching impacts, with ill effects permeating various aspects. It can affect families through relationship breakdown and financial strain, causing emotional distress.

Its effects can also affect workplace productivity, business performance, the economy, public safety, the healthcare system, social services, and more. Having a family member, friend, manager, or colleague who suffers from mental health conditions impacts us as a community and society. Within the family, a parent who suffers from PTSD can negatively affect their children’s formative years.  

Children who grow up in family environments with mental health issues are at risk of adopting disruptive behavior and developing dissocial disorders. Left unaddressed, it could affect their development and future well-being, with mental health issues following them into adulthood. These can manifest as aggression, criminal behavior, antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, etc. 

Mental health issues should be addressed at all levels because it has a ripple effect, affecting us all to some degree. 

 

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Raise Awareness and Take Action 

At IMANA, we educate the public through expert resources that they can use to learn about mental health and how to help someone they know. Here are other ways regular individuals can make the world a safe and supportive space for those with mental health problems, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month 2025:

Find Helpful Information To Share With Them

While showing empathy, helping those with mental health challenges approach their condition from a medical perspective can lead to proper treatment. With knowledge from IMANA’s mental health resources and the guidance of mental health professionals from our free directory, they can get the help they need. Seeking treatment, after all,  is the first step to healing. 

Don’t Force Them To Make Decisions 

Provide guidance and access to help without imposing your solutions on them. Doing so could make them defensive and refuse treatment altogether. Instead of pressuring them, listen to their worries and fears. Reassure them and avoid making assumptions.

Stay Calm and Be Patient

When loved ones become emotional, people with mental health issues have a tendency to become upset, exacerbating their condition. So, stay calm and be patient. Create a safe environment as they navigate their next steps and proceed at their own pace. Unless self-harm is imminent and requires immediate action, let them seek treatment when they are ready and willing.

Maintain a Sense of Normalcy 

As much as possible, create a feeling of normalcy by maintaining daily routines. Invite them to events as you normally would, engage in calming activities together, and encourage them to talk about their lives. 

Support Organizations That Promote Mental Health 

This Mental Health Awareness Month 2025, you can also help raise awareness by:

• Sharing IMANA’s free directory with those who need it. It is a discreet and reassuring way to seek help from U.S. healthcare professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors.
• Using and sharing our educational resources to learn about mental health.
• Volunteering for IMANA’s various initiatives, particularly if you are an allied healthcare professional.
• Donating to our medical and educational programs.

Our medical relief, medical education, and mentorship programs serve the physical, spiritual, and mental health needs of at-risk and underserved communities. 

Contact us this Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 to discover more ways you can support mental wellness. Let’s create a healthier, happier, and safer world together.