MS Feature—Break the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness Month at Bush

Content Warning: This article mentions topics such as self-injury, depression, and self-harm.

Every year in May, Mental Health Awareness Month gives people a chance to speak openly about something that affects millions of lives but is still often misunderstood. For many teenagers, mental health struggles can feel invisible. Academic pressure, social media, friendships, and expectations about the future can all build up and become overwhelming. At the same time, Self-Harm Awareness Month in March reminds us how important it is to notice when someone might be hurting and to respond with understanding instead of judgment. Self-injury is a topic that is often connected to conversations about teen mental health. During Self-Harm Awareness Month, people worked to break the silence and stigma around this issue and encourage compassion instead of judgment.

 Self-harm is an important issue. Research shows that about 17.6% of teenagers in the United States report engaging in self-harm at some point between ages 14 and 18. Studies also show that girls report self-harm more often than boys, with about 23.8% of girls and 11.3% of boys saying they have struggled with it. These numbers show how common mental health struggles can be for young people and why awareness is so important. (Bright Path Adolescent Mental Health). 

As we enter May, struggles with mental health are far more common than many realize, yet they are often hidden behind silence and unrealistic expectations of constant happiness. Normalizing these experiences begins with acknowledging that difficult emotions—such as anxiety, sadness, or burnout—are a natural part of being human, not a personal failure. 

One effective way to cope is by building small, consistent habits that support well-being, such as maintaining a routine, getting enough rest, and allowing time for activities that bring comfort or joy. Equally important is reaching out to others, whether through trusted friends, family, or professional support, as connection can reduce feelings of isolation and provide perspective. Practicing self-compassion also plays a key role; treating oneself with the same understanding and patience offered to others can ease the pressure of “having it all together.”

 By openly discussing mental health and embracing practical coping strategies, individuals can begin to replace stigma with acceptance, creating space for healing and resilience. If you or your loved ones have battled harsh times, there are resources available throughout school, whether it is talking with a trusted adult, counselor, health teacher, or asking for help from a friend. Reliable resources include 988 Lifeline’s 24-hour hotline and Crisis Text Line.  If you want to take action in raising awareness for teen mental health during May, there are many opportunities to help, whether it is taking part in the “NAMI WALKS” mental health march on May 31, or volunteering at local helpline agencies. Stay safe, and happy Mental Health Awareness Month!