LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – As the executive medical director for pediatric behavioral health at Norton Healthcare, Dr. Katy Hopkins, Ph.D., says there are signs to look for when it comes to mental illness, no matter the person’s age.
“Whether you’re an eight-year-old who’s really afraid to go over to a friend’s house to play or a sixteen-year-old who’s depressed, and doesn’t want to get out of bed and hang out with friends on the weekend, or an adult who’s struggling with going to work regularly, or maintaining a healthy romantic relationship,” Hopkins said.
With May designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, Hopkins adds individual, family, community, and social factors are direct influences on emotional well-being.
“Particularly since the pandemic, kids, adolescents, adults, are increasingly becoming more and more isolated; people are going out less, they’re spending more time with others less, they’re dating less, and that’s true for teenagers and adults,” she added.
The National Council for Mental Wellness estimates one in five adults has experienced some form of mental illness in the past year, and one in five youth has a mental health condition, with anxiety the most common.
“There are a lot of mental health resources. A great way to get connected with a behavioral health specialist is to start with your pediatrician, or your general practitioner if you’re an adult.”
Hopkins stressed. She added that additional behavioral health resources can be located at Mental Health Lou and at Psychology Today.
Copyright 2026 WAVE. All rights reserved.