May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding the Science Behind Support
By: Lindsay Kate Skinner MA, LPC, NCC
Imagine this: A working parent, let’s call her Alex, wakes up every day already exhausted. Between managing work deadlines, parenting responsibilities, and trying to stay connected with friends, she’s been feeling anxious, irritable, and disconnected for months. She brushes it off as “just stress” and tells herself to tough it out, after all, everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes, right?
Alex doesn’t realize is that she’s showing signs of generalized anxiety disorder, a common but often overlooked condition. It isn’t until a friend gently suggests talking to a therapist that Alex considers the possibility that what she’s experiencing isn’t just stress. She realizes it might be something deeper that deserves attention. Alex’s story is hypothetical, but it’s also incredibly common. Stories like this are real, and they’re happening every day in our communities.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to think about the importance of psychological well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. At Apollo Counseling, we are dedicated to creating a supportive, client-centered space where individuals can explore their mental health with compassion, clinical expertise, and care tailored to their unique needs.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year. The most common diagnoses include anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are not simply “bad days”, they are clinical conditions with biological, psychological, and social underpinnings that deserve timely and effective intervention.
Research shows that untreated mental health conditions can lead to:
Increased risk of chronic physical health problems
Impaired daily functioning
Elevated rates of substance use
Higher suicide risk
The Role of Evidence-Based Treatment
The good news is that effective treatment options are available. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities have shown clinically significant outcomes in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Moreover, access to therapeutic support can improve:
Emotional regulation
Interpersonal relationships
Coping strategies
Long-term resilience
In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that about 75% of individuals who engage in psychotherapy show some benefit from it.
The Power of Support
Healing is not linear, and while there may not always be a “cure,” clinical support can make a real difference. Interventions such as psychoeducation, behavioral interventions, lifestyle changes, and trauma-informed care can dramatically shift a person’s experience of mental health.
How You Can Engage During Mental Health Awareness Month
This month, we invite you to:
Learn the signs of common mental health conditions (e.g., persistent sadness, avoidance behavior, panic symptoms).
Normalize seeking help therapy is not a last resort; it’s a proactive step toward wellness.
Share credible resources such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with your community.
Schedule a mental health check-in, whether with a licensed therapist or a trusted healthcare provider.
Your Mental Health Is Worth Prioritizing
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to build a culture of awareness, acceptance, and action. Whether you’re managing a clinical diagnosis or experiencing elevated stress, your mental health deserves clinical attention and compassionate care.
At Apollo Counseling, we are here to support you with tools grounded in science and delivered with empathy.
About the Author
Lindsay Kate Skinner is a dedicated professional at Apollo Counseling, where she combines her expertise in mental health with a genuine passion for supporting individuals on their journeys to well-being. Her approach emphasizes empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Lindsay Kate is committed to empowering those she works with, helping them to develop resilience and coping strategies that promote personal growth and healing. With a focus on holistic care, she strives to guide her clients toward achieving their goals and finding balance in their lives. Get Connected!
