May is Mental Health Awareness Month

April 16, 2026 The Big Silence

Turn Mental Health Awareness Into Action This May

Every May, we’re reminded that mental health matters. Awareness is powerful, but it’s only the beginning. The Big Silence keeps the conversation going all year long.

May gives the opportunity to reach even more people as mental health, mental illness and mental wellness are highlighted. We'll see even more posts reminding us that we are not alone, and sharing the statistics that show how mental illness and mental health struggles are on the rise and continue to impact more and more lives. This is a global issue. More than 1 billion people live with mental health disorders globally, with anxiety and depression being the most common.

Hear's the thing—treatment makes a difference! But the stigma against mental health often keeps people reluctant to seek treatment. Stigma severely impacts mental health by creating barriers, worsening symptoms, and fostering shame. Stigma leads to lower self-esteem and social isolation.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re asking a simple but meaningful question:

What would it look like to turn awareness into action?

The Power of Gathering for Mental Health

There is something deeply healing about coming together. Coming together for mental health improves well-being by reducing isolation, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing shared emotional support. Helping others within a group can increase your own self-esteem, improve your mood, and provide a sense of purpose. Hearing and sharing stories with those who have overcome similar challenges offers hope and boosts motivation.

When you host an event or fundraiser for The Big Silence, you’re not just raising money—you’re creating space for:

Honest conversations
Shared experiences
Connection over isolation
Healing in community

And that kind of space saves lives!

Your Impact Matters More Than You Think

Through our Therapy for All program, your efforts directly support individuals who may not otherwise have access to mental health care. Therapy aims directly at the development of new solution patterns. It is at least as effective as medication during the period of treatment but its effects last longer and it is effective in preventing recurrence. The coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of one’s own vulnerabilities gained during therapy are useful over the course of a lifetime.

A single event — no matter the size — can help fund therapy sessions, provide resources, and remind someone that they are not alone.

You don’t need a massive platform, or a perfect plan. You just need a starting point, and we have put together The Big Silence Fundraiser Hosting Guide to help get you started.

Get The Guide

Mental Health Awareness Month provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone.

A Collective Movement

Mental health is not an individual issue — it’s a collective one. Change doesn’t happen through awareness alone. It happens when people decide to care out loud. This May, we invite you to be part of that movement. Be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and less alone.

Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re wondering what kind of event to host, start with what feels natural to you:

Community walk or run
Workout class or wellness event
Dinner party with intention
Creative night (poetry, art, journaling)
Workplace fundraiser
Golf outing or tournament
Social media challenge

There is no “right” way to do this — only your way.

💚 Ready to get started?
Create your fundraiser or event today and help us expand access to mental health care for all.

Statistics About Mental Health

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-34 and the 11th leading cause overall in the U.S.
1 in 5 Americans suffers from a mental illness.
1 in 20 US adults experience severe mental illness.
Individuals with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
At least 8.4 million people in the U.S. provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue

Mental Health Treatment Impacts

Research indicates that when treating depression through therapy 50 percent of patients recover within 15 to 20 sessions, and many patients experience some improvement within a few sessions.
Around 50-60% of individuals receiving therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder show a positive response, with rates improving with consistent, longer-term care.
A 1-year recovery rate for young people with anxiety/depression ranges between 47% and 64%.