JACKSON, Tenn. — As we prepare for Mental Health Awareness Month, professionals are sounding the alarm on the importance of the topic through awareness and education.
Research shows more than 70% of individuals who took a health screening test in 2024 tested positive for showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
If your mood, thoughts or actions disrupt your daily life, experts say it could be symptoms of a mental health condition.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month–founded by Mental Health America, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being.
The organization found 78% of nearly 6 million people who participated in an online national prevention and screening program had moderate to severe symptoms of a mental health condition.
This can range from depression and anxiety, to schizophrenia, eating disorders or addictive behaviors.
Experts say the most concerning trends seen over the years have been with our youth.
“Suicide is now a leading cause of death for youth,” said Schroeder Stribling, President & CEO of Metal Health America. “In the screening program that we have, 16,000 people a day come to check on their own mental health. About half of those are under 18. So, we know that we are facing a particularly difficult time and have been for a number of years.”
Online screening is a quick and easy way to determine if your or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
You are asked a series of questions, and your results indicate whether or not you are experiencing symptoms of the disorder.
Experts say results are not meant to be a diagnosis–but suggest to meet with a doctor or therapist to get a diagnosis, and access to therapy and medication.
For many, that may seem like a lengthy process, so sharing these results with someone you trust can be a great place to start.
“We have worked for years to diminish the kind of stigma that mental health conditions have had for so long, and the reason that’s a problem is it prevents people from getting help and it creates a sense of judgment about something that we shouldn’t have judgment for,” said Stribling. “These are normal health issues. These are fairly common health issues, and teenagers right now are really struggling. We want parents to feel that they’ve got access and they’ve got support.”
If you or someone you know needs help right away, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by using the chat box at 988lifeline.org/chat.
For more information on how to access free mental health screenings and evaluations, click here.
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