Breaking the Stigma, Building Support: Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and acknowledge the efforts needed to break down the stigma surrounding it. At Connections, we believe that the journey toward better mental health requires not only awareness but also access to the right resources and a compassionate support system. 

Whether you’re someone who is personally experiencing mental health challenges or a caregiver supporting a loved one, this month is an opportunity to ensure that you have the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the complexities of mental health. 

You deserve to feel supported 

If you are living with a mental health condition, remember that you are not alone. Everyone deserves support, and reaching out for help is a courageous step toward healing. Mental health conditions, like any physical health challenges, require care, understanding, and proper treatment. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, but it’s essential to understand that there are resources available to you. 

Immediate crisis support 

When you’re in a moment of crisis, it’s important to know where to turn. Immediate resources can provide a safe place to stabilize and begin your journey toward recovery. 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support. A trained counselor will help you navigate the crisis. 
• Mobile crisis teams: In certain areas, teams can come directly to your location to provide support. Connections operates mobile crisis teams in Montana and Pennsylvania that can help you during a crisis, 24/7.  
• Walk-in crisis centers: These centers offer immediate, no-cost care for individuals in crisis. They provide a safe space to talk to a professional and access necessary resources. Connections provides 24/7 walk-in care in Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson), Pennsylvania, and Washington. The centers include: 
  • Phoenix, AZ – 1201 South 7th Ave, Unit 150, Phoenix, AZ 
  • Tucson, AZ – 2802 East District Street, Tucson, AZ 
  • Harrisburg, PA – 1100 S. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 
  • Kirkland, WA – 11410 NE 122nd Way, Kirkland, WA 

Ongoing care for mental health 

Healing doesn’t happen in a single moment, it’s a journey. Whether you’re managing ongoing anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge, there are multiple avenues for support: 

• Therapy and counseling: Working with a therapist or counselor can provide a safe space to talk, gain insight, and develop coping strategies. You can find therapy and counseling services near you by visiting Psychology Today or SAMHSA’s find treatment resource. 
• Medication management: A mental health professional may recommend medication to help manage certain conditions. Ongoing support from your provider will ensure it’s working for you. If you are near a Connectons center, you can walk in and be connected to a provider. To find a local mental health professional, you can visit Psychology Today or SAMHSA’s find treatment resource.  
• Support groups: Support groups are a powerful tool for connecting with others who understand your experience and can offer insight. Organizations like NAMI and offer resources to find support groups in your community. 

Support for caregivers 

Caregivers play a vital role in the well-being of loved ones. Mental health challenges can feel isolating, but your support is crucial. Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to seek support for yourself as well. You don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. NAMI’s family support resource and Mental Health America’s family and friends guide can be great resources to help provide support to caregivers and loved ones. 

How you can help 

• Listen without judgment: Sometimes, all someone needs is to feel heard. Offer a safe space for your loved one to express themselves. 
• Be informed: Understanding the signs of mental health challenges can help you recognize when your loved one may need additional support. 
• Encourage seeking help: Gently encourage your loved one to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or crisis service when needed. Offer to assist in making appointments or even accompanying them to visits. 
• Take care of yourself: Being a caregiver can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you are also caring for your own mental health by reaching out to support networks or seeking respite when needed. 

Breaking the mental health stigma 

While stigma has historically been a barrier for many seeking support, there is growing recognition that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. By challenging harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, we can create a space where everyone feels empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. It’s important to remember that mental health challenges may influence us, but they do not define us. 

When we approach mental health with compassion and understanding, we create spaces where individuals can seek help without fear. By openly discussing mental health, we validate others’ experiences and remind them that they are not alone in their journey toward healing and wellbeing. 

Moving forward together 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, acknowledge mental health struggles but also celebrate the strength and resilience of those managing them — as well as the caregivers who walk beside them. Whether you're the one seeking care or supporting someone you love, you are not alone. 

Connections is here to walk with you on your mental health journey. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, or if you’re looking for ongoing support, reach out to our team or dial 988. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate mental health care system for everyone. 

Explore some of our other Mental Health Resource blogs by visiting: Mental Health Resources