Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Still Matters
By Bossa Health
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to amplify voices, educate ourselves (and each other), and call for greater attention to mental health and the reduction of stigma. But how did this important month come to be, and why, in 2025, does it remain as vital as ever?
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Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 in the United States by Mental Health America. Its goal was to raise public awareness about mental health, promote understanding of research and treatment options, challenge stigma, and celebrate recovery. Due to widespread misconceptions and stigma, many individuals suffered in silence and refrained from seeking support. What started in the US has since grown, with various countries and organizations worldwide embracing and adapting the initiative.
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The reasons for its continued presence nearly a century later are stark and undeniable. While progress has undoubtedly been made, mental health challenges remain pervasive across all demographics. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1 billion people globally live with mental health conditions, and a recent study suggests that by age 75 years, approximately half the world population can expect to develop one or more mental health disorders. Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic — linked to a global rise of over 25% in prevalence of anxiety and depression — along with economic instability and political unrest, have further intensified these numbers. In fact, anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of year lived with disability worldwide. Moreover, disparities in access to mental healthcare persist, with marginalized communities often facing greater barriers to receiving timely and culturally appropriate support. In this context, dedicating a month to mental health serves as a powerful reminder that it requires sustained attention and meaningful — including preventative — action, especially given the economic burden untreated mental ill-health places on healthcare systems.
However, since early 20th century, we have witnessed significant, albeit uneven, strides in mental health treatment. Scientific understanding of the brain and mental illnesses has deepened considerably, leading to more nuanced diagnostic tools and a wider array of therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological treatments and evidence-based psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The rise of digital mental health platforms has also expanded access to support for many; it is estimated that the revenue in the Mental & Behavioral Health Management market will reach US$1.92bn in 2025, indicating the scale of this evolving landscape.
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Alongside these advancements in treatment, the conversation around mental health has also evolved. While stigma persists, particularly within certain communities, there is a growing willingness among to speak openly about individual challenges. High-profile figures, athletes, and social media personalities sharing their own experiences have played a crucial role in 'normalizing' these conversations and encouraging others to seek support. This growing openness is also reflected in young people. A 2022 survey conducted with US teens found that about one in six regularly experience negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, or frustration, and over a quarter reported receiving mental health support. Encouragingly, many of those who sought help felt comfortable discussing their mental health with those closest to them. Still, this sense of comfort does not always lead to action. While these trends suggest progress, they also underscore the ongoing need for sustained education and open dialogue.
The landscape of mental health awareness, perception, and treatment, however, varies significantly between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This disparity manifests in areas, such as: Resource Allocation: Government expenditure on mental health in low-income countries is often less than US$1 per capita annually, compared to over US$80 in many HICs. Access to Care: A significant treatment gap exists in LMICs, with around 75% of individuals with mental disorders not receiving any form of care. Geographical barriers, cost of services, and lack of integrated mental health services within primary care contribute to this gap. In contrast, while challenges in access persist in HICs, there is generally more availability of a range of services. Data Collection: There are significant challenges in policy, human resources, and governance for Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) in LMICs, including a lack of clear policies for data collection, reporting, and dissemination.
Despite these global disparities, exciting work is happening worldwide; government interventions are evolving, with many countries beginning to integrate mental healthcare into primary care settings and increasing funding for mental health research and services. The continued celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a vital catalyst for sustained progress. It provides a platform to:
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Raise awareness: Disseminating accurate information and challenging misconceptions about mental ill-health.
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Reduce stigma: Fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
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Advocate for change: Pressing policymakers to prioritize mental health in legislation and funding.
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Encourage individuals to seek support without fear of judgment.: Encouraging individuals to reach out for support without fear of judgment.
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Celebrate resilience: Recognizing the strength and courage of those living with mental health conditions.
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As May 2025 begins and Mental Health Awareness Month is observed, it is clear that much remains to be done globally. Continued focus on evidence-based strategies, increased resource allocation, and efforts to reduce stigma are essential. Future advancements will require a multi-faceted approach, including prevention, integrated care, and community-level interventions, to achieve equitable mental healthcare worldwide. Only through sustained commitment and action can we ensure mental health is recognized as a critical aspect of well-being and overall health.
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References
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3. Statista. (n.d.). Mental & behavioral health management worldwide — digital therapeutics. https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/digital-health/digital-treatment-care/digital-therapeutics/mental-behavioral-health-management/worldwide
4. World Health Organization. (2018, June 6). Mental health: Massive scale-up of resources needed if global targets are to be met. https://www.who.int/news/item/06-06-2018-mental-health-massive-scale-up-of-resources-needed-if-global-targets-are-to-be-met#:~:text=Levels%20of%20public%20expenditure%20on,of%20those%20who%20need%20care.
6. Upadhaya, N., Jordans, M. J. D., Abdulmalik, J., et al. (2016). Information systems for mental health in six low and middle income countries: Cross country situation analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 10, 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-016-0094-2