May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which means it’s time to throw some serious (and lovingly sarcastic) shade at the phrase, “I’m fine.” Because, let’s be real—“I’m fine” is often code for “I haven’t slept in 3 days, I think my plant hates me, and I just cried because I dropped my sandwich.”

Why Mental Health Deserves the Spotlight

Mental health is like your Wi-Fi signal. You don’t think about it much—until it’s gone. Then everything starts buffering, slowly… painfully… like a bad 90s dial-up connection.

But, in all seriousness:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year (NAMI, 2023).
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year (NAMI, 2023).
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year (NAMI, 2023).
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (NAMI, 2023).
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 (NAMI, 2023).

  

That’s not “just a few people having a rough day.” That’s millions of us trying to juggle life, stress, bills, trauma, relationships, and—let’s not forget—the global chaos channel known as the news.

Empathy Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

Here’s the deal: if someone tells you they’re struggling, believe them. Don’t try to fix it, just be there. Sit in the metaphorical (or literal) mud with them. Hand them a blanket, not a motivational quote. That’s empathy.

You don’t have to understand exactly what someone is going through to be supportive. You just have to show up, listen, and say the magic words: “You’re not alone.”

Knowledge is Power (and Comforting)

Did you know mental health disorders are just as real as a broken leg? No one would ever tell someone with a broken femur to “cheer up and walk it off.” Mental health deserves the same respect and attention.

There are many types of mental health conditions—from anxiety and depression to PTSD and bipolar disorder. Learning about these isn’t just helpful for you, it makes you a better friend, partner, coworker, and human.

A great place to start? NAMI – the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They offer support groups, education programs, and advocacy resources. And, trust me, their website is a lot more comforting than a late-night WebMD rabbit hole.

Laughter is Medicine… but so is Therapy

While humor can be healing (yes, you’re allowed to laugh during dark times), it’s not a substitute for therapy, medication, or support. Think of laughter as the sidekick. Therapy is the superhero.

Mental health treatment isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Like going to the gym, but for your brain (and without all the burpees).

Help is One Call Away

If you or someone you love is in crisis, don’t hesitate:

Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org). It’s free. It’s 24/7. It’s confidential. And it saves lives.

NAMI- https://www.nami.org/

Be the Reason Someone Feels Seen

This month, let’s replace “I’m fine” with “I’m human.” Let’s normalize taking mental health days, going to therapy, setting boundaries, and asking for help without shame.

Because everyone deserves support, and nobody has to go through it alone—not in May, not ever.

Ready to Learn More and Support Mental Health in a Meaningful Way?

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Reference:

NAMI. (2023).  Mental Health by the Numbers. Fast Facts. Accessed: 04.23.25 from: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/