May Is Mental Health Awareness Month and Americans Are Struggling

Only 29 percent of U.S. adults rate their mental health or emotional well-being as "excellent," according to a December 2025 West Health-Gallup survey. That figure was 43 percent before the pandemic. The decline comes despite record levels of mental health treatment, public engagement, and spending, with state mental health spending reaching $61.4 billion in 2024.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance that began in 1949. This year, governors in Michigan, Missouri, and other states have issued proclamations and organized events to promote mental well-being and reduce stigma.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state. Michigan has expanded access to mental health resources in schools and communities and launched Michigan.gov/WorkplaceMentalHealth as a hub for workplace mental health resources. The state also implemented the national "988" suicide and crisis hotline.

In Missouri, the National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Louis chapter is hosting its annual NAMIWalks St. Louis event on May 16. Local organizations are providing support for trauma, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.

Experts say barriers to care remain significant, especially in rural areas. Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor at Thriveworks, said proximity, transportation, and provider availability are the biggest obstacles. Telehealth has helped bridge the gap, offering more scheduling flexibility and removing transportation barriers.

Workplace stress ranks as the second-leading cause of anxiety, according to a 2025 Thriveworks study. Employers are encouraged to offer fair compensation, autonomy, and work-life balance to support employee wellness.