What to Know About Mental Health Awareness Month

Observed every May, Mental Health Awareness Month seeks to promote mental well-being and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Mental health is an important part of overall health and includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

It affects how people think, feel, act, handle stress, relate with others, and make decisions in daily life.

According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental disorders are common worldwide, with depression and anxiety among the most reported conditions.

Factors such as poverty, violence, discrimination, and stressful life experiences can negatively affect mental health.