Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy of Canva
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and reduce stigma around mental health.
This year, Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) is highlighting how stigma continues to keep people from getting help. Stigma includes negative beliefs and attitudes about mental health, and it remains one of the biggest barriers to care. Fear of being judged can stop people from reaching out, which can lead to worsening symptoms or even a crisis.
In central Kansas, a recent CKMHC needs assessment found stigma is one of the top reasons people do not seek services. Across the state, nearly half of those facing mental health challenges do not get care, with stigma playing a major role.
CKMHC says everyone can help reduce stigma by using respectful language, learning more about mental health, and supporting those who seek care.
Throughout May, CKMHC will host activities to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. The organization is also partnering with local libraries to offer mental health displays and reading lists, helping residents learn more and support their own well-being.