5/5/25 – Breaking the Stigma: One Family’s Voice During Mental Health Awareness Month

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month — Here’s Why It Matters to Me

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a cause that holds deep meaning in my heart and home. Mental health has profoundly impacted my life, both personally and as a mom and wife.

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth (ages 6–17) in the U.S. are diagnosed with a mental illness each year. Even more concerning, 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among children ages 10–14. These numbers are staggering — and they become even more real when your loved ones are part of those statistics. Two of mine are under the age of 14.

But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.

The United States is facing a growing mental health crisis — not just in diagnoses, but in access. As of November 2024, the HRSA reported that over one-third of the U.S. population lives in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. Even when care is available, stigma and shame often stop people from reaching out. It shouldn’t be that way.

We need to do better. We need to prioritize mental health services, remove the stigma around getting help, and ensure that therapy, counseling, and medication support are accessible to everyone who needs them.

This is more than a cause for me — it’s personal. I am a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and I believe with every fiber of my being that:

• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Mental illness is not a character flaw.
• Every human being deserves access to the care and support they need.

As a wife, I will stand beside my husband through every challenge. As a mom, my girls will always receive my full love, support, and guidance — no matter what they face.

If you or someone you love is looking for support or resources, please start here:
🔗 CDC Mental Health Resources