May is mental health awareness month and I’ve been thinking about sharing… | Andrea Lee, MBA | 16 comments (2025)

As we embark on 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, understanding the diverse range of mental health challenges that many of us might face is crucial. It’s time to shed light on various mental health conditions, their symptoms, and their impacts. This knowledge is key to fostering empathy and support within our communities.𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 involves persistent despair and a lack of interest in previously joyful activities. It can lead to significant impairments in daily functioning. 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are characterized by persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities. 𝐁𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 is marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚, a complex disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others, typically includes hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior. 𝐏𝐓𝐒𝐃 is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Symptoms can range from changes in mood and behavior to cognitive impairments and physical manifestations like fatigue or aches.For those looking to understand more or find help, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides detailed information on various mental health disorders. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a great resource for information on prevention, treatment, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline provides confidential free help from public health agencies to find substance use treatment and information (𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟔𝟔𝟐-𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏).To support one another more effectively, it’s important to educate ourselves about different mental health conditions. We should pay attention to signs of mental health challenges in ourselves and others. We should also offer support and guide someone towards professional help. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #HealthyMinds

13

🌎🧠 Today is World Mental Health Day (although I write on the topic every day!) … and it’s a good time to remember that EVERYONE has mental health. 🧠Just like 💪🏻 physical health, it’s something we all deal with, whether we have a diagnosed issue or not.I was about 9 or 10 the first time I realized that the level of sadness, panic, and nonstop inner critical voice I experienced as my baseline was not the same as that of my neighborhood friends. I didn’t have words to explain it, but now I know them to be depression, anxiety, and OCD. And, I’ve learned a few more words (and SO MANY tools) along the way. That’s my reality, and I’m not ashamed of it. Therapy is my regular go-to, and I’ve been through an intensive outpatient program when things got especially hard in the time after I lost my brother to suicide. It saved my life, and I don’t say that lightly.But you don’t need a diagnosis to care about mental health.🧠 One in five adults in the U.S. has a mental health condition every year.💡 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.📱 People with mental health conditions are 2x as likely to experience substance use disorders.And if you need this reminder today: 💙 THIS WORLD NEEDS YOU 💙To care for my own mental wellbeing today, I took a short lunchtime walk around my yard with my dogs; and tonight I will attend an event as part of my volunteer work as the Board Chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Massachusetts chapter. 🫶🏻I hope you can take time today to care for your own mental health! ☎️ If you or someone you love are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8, 24/7 ☎️

24

2 Comments

Did you know that mental health issues affect millions worldwide, yet many people still struggle in silence? This World Mental Health Day, I want to raise awareness and encourage everyone to support their loved ones and colleagues.As someone passionate about human psychology, I knew I wanted to learn more. That's why I recently completed a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, originally developed in Australia by Mental Health First Aid International and available in Germany by MHFA Ersthelfer since late 2019. MHFA teaches individuals how to recognize the signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide a person towards appropriate professional help. In just 12 hours, alongside other empathetic individuals from across the country, I gained crucial insights into the most prevalent mental health conditions through an online course.We discussed how to effectively support someone during a crisis, like a panic attack, while also recognizing early symptoms and understanding the importance of early intervention. By learning how to recognize early signs of mental health struggles, we can create a more supportive environment for ourselves and others. One key takeaway was how this knowledge fosters clarity and compassion in our everyday interactions.The stigma surrounding mental health remains significant, but I encourage anyone struggling to seek professional help. You are not alone. If you’re interested in mental health first aid or have any other questions, please feel free to reach out. I wholeheartedly urge you to join this vital initiative.

20

As Mental Health Awarenss Month comes to a close, it is time to reflect and continue to spread information. I also acknowledge that people have very different opinions on this topic, and welcome the diversity of thought.My fellow Sg2 colleagues estimate “over the next decade, behavioral health inpatient discharges to increase more than discharges for any other health care service line - potentially by as much as 8%. Societal pressures, including gun violence and the effects of social media, will contribute to rising mental health and substance use dicharges, while growth in learning disorders will be driven by heightened awareness and practice treatment”. (Thanks for the expertise, Stephanie Snider !)Personally, I’m on my 5th year of working on my mental health through bi weekly therapy sessions with a trained professional and daily mindfulness training. Dealing with anxiety and fear of loss, I’ve worked hard to focus my attention on being grateful, being present, investing in professional/personal relationships and slowing down my life.As a new father, this is one area I’ve wanted to focus on the most - Being present and attentive to the way I react in certain situations and focusing on the real issues as opposed to letting my own insecurities and fear drive my action.Mental health is an epidemic with a narrative that is finally starting to change. Telling your story and making people aware is a good first step. As I started to do so, I found more people like me, which was therapy on its own. Please feel free to share your story so people don’t feel like they are alone in their struggles and many are willing to help. Thank you Sg2 and Vizient, Inc for continuing to invest in this field with experts, solutions and resources for our members to use.

51

4 Comments

🧹 The Nightmare Clean: Tackling a Hoarding Emergency 🧹Just as we were about to close up, an urgent call came in from the Fire Brigade: a Void property with severe hoarding needed immediate attention. Our incredible team stepped up without hesitation. What we found was challenging – hundreds of cockroaches and pests had overtaken the space, requiring extermination and removal before a deep clean could begin.While the mess was intense, it’s vital to remember that hoarding often stems from serious mental health challenges. As we recently passed Mental Health Awareness Day, this experience has reminded us of how extreme hoarding conditions can be and the importance of compassion over judgment.Here are a few insights on the link between hoarding and mental health:📊 The Link with Depression- Co-Occurrence: 50%-60% of individuals with hoarding disorder also experience major depressive disorder. Each condition often exacerbates the other.- Severity of Symptoms: Depression can worsen hoarding by reducing motivation and increasing emotional attachment to possessions.- Social Impact: Nearly 70% of those with hoarding disorder experience social isolation due to the shame around their living conditions.Our team’s work here is just the beginning. The property will now be handled by more of our specialists to remove any remaining biohazardous materials and restore the space.If you or anyone you know is struggling with hoarding, depression, or other mental health challenges, there’s non-judgmental support available. Reach out if you need to:📱 Text SHOUT to 85258💻 Online resources: NHS Hoarding Disorder https://lnkd.in/dvbJnUmUA huge thank you to our team for going above and beyond to make a difference.Get in touch:📱 0800 024 8812🌎 www.dovetailgroupuk.co.uk📧 info@dovetailgroupuk.co.uk#mentalhealthawareness #hoardingdisorder #compassionbeforejudgement #support #dovetailgroup #dtg NHS Mental Health Foundation

7

Hi everyone,As a psychology student, I want to talk about something very important: mental health and the role of mental health professionals. We all face tough times, and it’s okay to not be okay. Mental health affects everyone, but we don’t always know how to deal with it on our own. That’s where mental health professionals come in.Therapists, counselors, and psychologists are trained to help people understand their feelings, manage stress, and work through difficult situations. Reaching out to them is a brave and important step. They provide support, guidance, and practical solutions that can change lives.Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around seeking help. People are sometimes afraid or embarrassed to talk about their mental health struggles. But just like we go to doctors for physical health, we should go to mental health professionals when we need support for our minds.If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There is no shame in seeking guidance from a professional—they are here to help, not to judge.Let’s spread awareness, not only about mental health but also about the importance of mental health professionals. Together, we can break the stigma and build a stronger, healthier community.Take care of your mind and remember, it’s okay to ask for help. 💚

2

1 Comment

The objective of World Mental Health Day is raise awareness internationally around mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as “a state of mental wellness that allows people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well…”Here are some quick facts:💚it was first celebrated in 1992 at the World Federation for Mental Health 💚the goal is to raise awareness and gather efforts internationally to address this crisis 💚According to WHO, in 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental health condition 💚 Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability. People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.Today we stand with those affected by mental health conditions. We hold space for them and continue the conversation, efforts and treatment around mental health. You matter, you are important 💚

4

As today marks World Mental Health Day, we want to raise awareness of the growing number of people who are affected by mental health disorders across the globe.According to World Health Organization, approximately 970 million people worldwide are living with a mental health disorder. The Mental Health Foundation projects that by 2030, mental health problems will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. At MAC Clinical Research, we are committed to improving mental health through our expertise in conducting clinical studies in this area. We have vast experience in many mental health disorders including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).As part of this, we have led numerous psychedelic studies and seen promising results. Our in-house team of experts, including psychiatrists and therapists, have conducted studies using innovative treatments such as psilocybin, ibogaine, and deuterated DMT. These therapies are being explored for their potential in treating conditions like depression and PTSD.Let’s continue to break the stigma and push for progress in mental health treatment and awareness.Find out more about our experience in psychedelics: https://lnkd.in/defpBctQContact us to find out how we can support your study: https://lnkd.in/dGFJTbJu#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalResearch #PsychedelicResearch #MACClinicalResearch #MentalHealthMatters

35

These comparisons illustrate the extensive impact of #MentalHealth, underscoring the critical need for enhanced support and resources.⠀Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being, enabling individuals to cope with stressors, traumatic events, and adversities, and to realize their abilities.⠀It is shaped by a complex interplay of personal, familial, community, and structural factors that can enhance mental health or lead to mental health conditions*.⠀*A mental health condition, as defined in the World Mental Health Report, is a broad term that includes #MentalDisorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states associated with significant distress, functional impairments, or risk of self-harm.⠀These conditions often arise from the interaction between an individual’s vulnerabilities and various stressors or adversities.⠀If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, it's crucial not to delay seeking help.⠀Consider booking a therapy session today to take the first step towards recovery and well-being.⠀Remember, prioritizing your mental health is vital!

4

1 Comment