This month, Americans are raising awareness for mental health. After President Obama declared May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, Americans have been learning about what it means to have a mental illness. According to the president, “nearly 44 million American adults, and millions of children, experience mental health conditions each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post traumatic stress.” This means that roughly 1 in 5 adults suffer from some form of mental health issue every year.

Although this is a large portion of Americans, there is still a stigma regarding the discussion of mental illness. Because there is a negative opinion of this illness, many people don't believe that it needs attention.

As someone who knows people with some of these different mental conditions, I believe raising awareness and openness is essential to overcome the stigmas that are associated with them. This negative connotation of mental health often leads to unwillingness to seek help, isolation, and fear of no improvement. The stigma feeds into the negative perceptions people have regarding others with mental health problems, further isolating individuals who may have an illness.

Instead of isolating individuals with mental health conditions, let's work together to prevent social distancing. Instead of rushing to use words like “crazy” or “insane,” think about what these words mean before you casually toss them into a conversation.

According to statistics, every 1 in 5 adults that we come across suffers from a mental illness, whether it is a classmate, co-worker, friend, or family member. Not only does the person with the mental illness suffer, but family members feel the emotional pain as well. By raising awareness, we also give support and hope to the loved ones of those who have mental conditions.

While many people shrug off mental illness and believe it is not fatal, the contrary proves to be true. 30,000 Americans die every year from suicides and it is the eighth leading cause of death in America, a result of mental illness. As we work to educate others on mental illness and open up the topic for discussion, we help to eliminate obstacles and lead the path to recovery. As an industry that cost $2.5 trillion in 2010, this is a subject that needs to be talked about. “Mental illness represents the biggest economic burden of any health issue in the world,” according to the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum.

So as we continue to enjoy the beautiful month of May, remember those around you who may be suffering from a silent mental illness. A family member, friend, classmate, or maybe even you. As mental health issues are discussed openly without judgment, less negativity becomes associated with it. Each year, as Americans get the conversation started again, the movement towards recovery and happiness grows stronger. It's important to remember those with mental illness not only this month, but every day of the year.