May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and committing to your mental and emotional wellbeing is more important now than ever. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 60 million adults in the U.S. experienced some form of mental illness this past year, up nearly 5% since 2019. It’s important to remember mental health challenges are more common than you may think. Whether or not you personally face mental health challenges, you almost certainly know someone who does.

One of the best and easiest ways to help others with mental health challenges is to turn silence into connection. Many individuals with mental health challenges choose not to open up to avoid stigmas and judgement. Sharing our lived experiences, listening to each other’s experiences, and building strong social connections helps break down misconceptions around mental health and helps people feel supported and understood. 

Check this resource for tips on how to show up for those living with a mental health condition. If you or a family member are experiencing mental health challenges, UDOT offers several benefits to support you in your journey including four hours of mental wellness leave each fiscal year, virtual mental health care, and free life assistance counselling to all employees and their dependents.