May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the conversations around mental health have grown louder over the years, the need for intentional care has not changed. Mental health is not just something we address in moments of crisis. It is something we should nurture daily, just like our physical health.
As a therapist, I often remind people that taking care of their mental health does not require a complete life overhaul. It starts with small, consistent choices that honor your wellbeing. This month is an opportunity to pause, reflect on where you are emotionally and take meaningful steps toward where you want to be.
Here are five practical ways to care for your mental health:
1. Check in with yourself daily.
Take a few moments each day to ask yourself how you are really doing — not the surface-level answer, but the honest one. Awareness is the first step toward change. When you understand your emotions, you can respond rather than react.
2. Set and protect your boundaries.
You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to rest. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish; it is necessary. Boundaries help prevent burnout and allow you to show up as your best self in the spaces that matter.
3. Stay connected to safe people.
Isolation can make everything feel heavier. Make it a point to stay connected with people who feel safe, supportive and genuine. A simple conversation can remind you that you are not alone.
4. Move and care for your body.
Your mental health is deeply connected to your physical health. Whether it is a walk, stretching or a full workout, movement can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Taking care of your body is a form of emotional care.
5. Seek professional support when needed.
There is strength in asking for help. Therapy provides a space to process, heal and grow. You do not have to wait until things fall apart to talk to someone.
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign. It is a reminder that your wellbeing matters every day. Take the time to care for yourself, extend grace to yourself and remember that prioritizing your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make.
WHY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH MATTERS
Observed each May, Mental Health Awareness Month draws attention to the millions of people affected by mental health conditions annually. By encouraging honest conversations and promoting resources, this observance helps break down stigma and reminds us that no one needs to struggle alone. Awareness leads to action — and action leads to healing.
WOMEN AND MENTAL HEALTH: BY THE NUMBERS
1 in 4 women in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year (about 26%). (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Recent research shows that the prevalence of depression was higher in females at 16% compared to males at 10.1%. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Over one-third of women (36.7%) report having been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime compared with 20.4% of men. (Mental Health America)
- From puberty to age 50, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
- Young women are especially vulnerable: As of late 2025, reports indicate that 39.1% of women aged 26 to 29 experienced mental illness. (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Up to 1 in 7 new moms experience postpartum depression, highlighting a critical need for support during and after pregnancy. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Despite the need, less than one-third of women receive mental health treatment in a given year, although women are more likely than men to seek care. (National Institute of Mental Health)
HELP IS AVAILABLE
• For immediate mental health crisis support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. You also can access support via online chat at 988Lifeline.org.
• The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi offers numerous services, including mental health first aid, the Opal Smith Drop-In Center, screenings, peer support and more. For further details, call (228) 864-6274 or visit msmentalhealth.org.
• For more information about services, or if you or a loved one needs help, call the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Helpline at 1 (877) 210-8513. Staff are available to provide help around the clock.