Today about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a year. However, only half of them seek treatment. This is partially due to the lack of education and stigma surrounding mental health issues. According to the NIH, nearly half of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime.The stigma surrounding mental health has become a big problem in the battle to have people seek help.

There are many factors that play a role in the mental health and stigma. These include stress, poverty, lack of education, cultural influences, and a lack of access to resources. Cultural influences play a very large role in the discussion and treatment of mental illness. Many communities; such as the Black and Hispanic communities, see discussing mental health as personal weakness due to misunderstandings and stigma. This means they are less likely to pay attention to the signs and seek treatment.

Mental illnesses are unique to each individual and take time to understand. Each person responds to different triggers, treatments, and support systems. In recent years mental health advocates have used various platforms to reach people and speak up against the stigma around us. From social media campaigns to speeches, there are many ways to learn about and participate in raising awareness for mental illnesses. It is important to have the conversation with those around you because we all have someone in our life who is struggling with mental illness. Finding ways to deal with the stigma, advocate for treatment and education, and supporting those around you are all ways to be part of the conversation. By taking the time to help you could help others greatly.