May 2026 | Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

I heard a television commercial recently that said seeking therapy is not so much about
stigma anymore as it is about us thinking we have learned to cope “well enough” not to
seek help. I thought how true that is! Most of us these days do not care about what
other people think about us seeking counseling, but we often don’t go because we think
“I can handle it on my own.”

Not long ago I had an unexpected breakthrough in my own mental health therapy when
I shared something that I had shared many times before and I didn’t think it still
bothered me. My new therapist was able to get me to look at it from a new angle and
when I did, poof! the tears came. It was a relief and the insight I gained has forced me
to look at other areas of my life that I neglect or don’t appreciate.

Whether you are struggling in a big or small way with thoughts and emotions, reach out
for help, there are many avenues available. Yes, you may be “coping” well enough, but
it feels good to raise the bar and see how much better you feel when you get good
mental health care.

Lila Pila Ya Unpi Ksto!