May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma, starting conversations, and supporting one another in our mental health journeys. While mental health affects us all—regardless of age, gender, or background—it’s often misunderstood or pushed aside.

This month is a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay. Whether you're managing stress, coping with anxiety, navigating depression, or supporting a loved one through their challenges, your experience matters. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mental Health in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

• Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness annually, with 1 in 20 adults living with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. ​

• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults.

• Suicide Rates: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause for those aged 15-24 in the U.S.

• COVID-19: 1 in 5 U.S. adults report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health. ​

• Youth Mental Health: 17% of youth (6-17 years) experience a menta health disorder. ​

Why It Matters

Mental health is essential to overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our relationships, work, and daily functioning. Recognizing the signs of mental health concerns and seeking help early can lead to better outcomes.

How You Can Help

• Start Conversations: Talk openly about mental health to reduce stigma.​

• Support Others: Check in with friends and family members.

• Seek Help: If you're struggling, reach out to a mental health professional.​

Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.​

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for resources and support.​

• Mental Health America: Explore mhanational.org for information and tools.​

This May, let's commit to understanding, supporting, and prioritizing mental health. You're not alone, and help is always available.

How can Mental Health Technologies SmarTest® AI help your practice effectively and efficiently assess your patients for various behavioral health concerns?

• SmarTest® AI integrates with your EMR to automate the screening and referral process

  • Your practice customizes all screening parameters

• Indicate abnormal assessment results directly in the EMR

• Real-Time Alerts

• Upon assessment completion, redirect patients to any URL of your choice

  • Examples: 988 Suicide Hotline, TMS intake form, etc.)

• Generate patient and provider data

  • Track patient progress over time

  • Tailor treatment methods based upon assessment results

  • Improve patient outcomes

We offer Risk-Free Proof of Concept Trials to qualified healthcare providers. To find out if your practice qualifies, contact us or book a meeting.

Resources:

1. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/#:~:text=22.8%25%20of%20U.S.%20adults%20experienced,represents%201%20in%2020%20adults.

2. https://988lifeline.org/

3. https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

4. https://mhanational.org/get-help/