We’ve all been through a lot this year and one issue that continues to make headlines is mental health. Now is a good time to pause and reflect. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we should make time and learn the difficult truth: Nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental health. That includes any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma, eating disorders, or use disorders. Whether or not someone personally suffers with a mental health issue, Mental Health Awareness Month helps people recognize the ways mental illness impacts lives all around the world. Mental Health awareness month is a way to educate others about available services, resources, and ways to advocate for others. 

   This picture of the month is dedicated to Mental health awareness month in hopes of informing others about the severity of learning all about mental health and how to seek help and guidance. This picture of the month shows a person looking into nature and seeking a time of reflection and piece. This picture expresses just how taking a second to look at our surroundings can change how a person sees things. The green in the trees also symbolizes the Mental health awareness month color. This month seeks to inform people that you are not defined by your mental health issues and through resources, guidance, and taking a step back to observe everything around us, mental health issues can be remedied or improved.