Fact: One in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition in a given year.

Fact: Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14.

Fact: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

These facts are sobering.

A lot is going on in our world. Day-to-day, life can be so mentally taxing. It may feel like the weight of everything is on your shoulders. It could be that class or work is taking a toll on you. It could be that you feel alienated or dismissed by your peers and friends. It can also be amplified by pre-existing conditions like the environment you grew up in or work in, your lifestyle, school, and even your genetics can play a factor. Whatever the cause may be, it is so important to check in with your body and mind and to remind yourself that no one is to blame.  Mental health is as important as going to the doctor for a physical wellness check-up. Mental wellness checks are common, and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s easy to feel so small in such a vast world, but you aren’t alone. 

It is especially valid to feel alone and alienated in a culture that doesn’t take mental health as seriously as it should. In addition to the lack of thoughtfulness regarding mental health, it is so often stigmatized. Stigma is “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person” , meaning mental health conditions are often deemed as a disgrace or blemish on a person. This attitude towards mental health is damaging and often what causes people to pretend that they are fine, when in reality they are struggling, in pain, and choose not to confide in anyone or seek help. This stigma must be eradicated so more people can feel comfortable speaking up. 
Statistics show that mental health conditions are nothing out of the ordinary, and can occur quite commonly.

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness),

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24” (NAMI, 2024)

Mental wellness doesn’t look one way. There are many different struggles one can experience that can hinder mental wellness, whether that be substance abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and more. You are not alone with any of these, while it may be scary, help is available. You deserve to have someone to talk to about what you’re experiencing. 

In addition, please see our Pillars of Mental Health Guide, for inspiration to take care of yourself or loved ones. 

Learn more about the mental health effects of bullying, access information & resources on bullying prevention and GET HELP. Our resources page has tons of numbers and websites to look into if you're looking for resources!

• Home
• Campaigns

• World Day of Bullying Prevention® #BeKind #BlueUp #BlueShirtDay
• Want your school, community or business to participate in World Day of Bullying Prevention®?
• Unapologetically Kind Campaign
• National Culture Week™
• #SeeMe Campaign
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• June is Pride Month
• Alive With Pride: Celebrating Authenticity and Inclusion
• National Block It Out Day

• Pillars of Mental Health Awareness Support Guide