May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month gives us time to normalize that mental health and substance use treatment are essential parts of healthcare and should not be separated from physical health. It also allows us to educate on the variety of conditions and treatment options. Let’s dive in for an overview of these topics.
Most Common Mental Illness
It would take much more than one newsletter article to go into each type of mental illness. Instead, let’s look at prevalence by condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other national data sources:
- Anxiety disorders – ~19%
- Major depressive disorder – ~8–10% annually (higher lifetime prevalence)
- Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders – ~7–8%
- Post-traumatic stress disorder – ~3–4%
- Bipolar disorder – ~2–3%
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder – ~1–2%
- Borderline personality disorder – ~1–2%
- Schizophrenia – <1%
Barriers to Treatment
Despite it being 2026, stigma and the cost of care remain real barriers. While tens of millions of Americans are impacted by mental health conditions each year, roughly half do not receive treatment.
The reasons for not seeking treatment are numerous. In one national study, many respondents believed the problem would go away on its own. The challenge with this belief is that many mental health conditions are not something that simply disappear without support. While some individuals may experience a single episode, many conditions are recurrent or chronic in nature. That said, people can absolutely stabilize and live meaningful, effective lives—especially with appropriate treatment, including therapy, medication, or both.
Other commonly reported barriers include:
- Feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or worried about being judged
- Denial or minimizing symptoms
- Not knowing where to get help
- Financial concerns
All of these are valid and understandable—and all can be worked through.
Stigma is decreasing. More people are talking openly about mental health than ever before. In seeking help, many individuals find connection with others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation.
Access is also improving. Most insurance plans include mental health benefits, and many providers offer payment plans or sliding scale options. And when it comes to finding care, even a simple search like “mental health treatment near me” can be a strong starting point.
Impact of Not Seeking Treatment
When mental health conditions go untreated, the effects can extend into many areas of life. Common impacts include:
- Strained relationships and social challenges
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Financial difficulties
- Difficulty maintaining work or school responsibilities
- Reduced academic or job performance
Untreated mental health conditions are also associated with physical health concerns, including increased risk for conditions like heart disease, as well as reduced overall life expectancy. They can also increase vulnerability to housing instability and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Why Seeking Treatment Matters
Mental health and substance use disorders are complex conditions involving brain function, environment, and lived experience. While symptoms may be triggered by life events, biological factors—such as brain chemistry—also play a role.
Treatment helps. Therapy and, when appropriate, medication can support the brain in forming new patterns, improving emotional regulation, and reducing symptoms.
Psychotropic medications sometimes carry stigma of their own. While side effects and trial-and-error can be part of the process, for many people, the benefits are significant—symptom relief, improved quality of life, increased ability to engage in therapy, and reduced risk of relapse or hospitalization. Medication is always a personal decision and best discussed with a qualified provider.
Therapy is another key component of treatment. There are many different types, and finding the right fit matters—both in approach and in the person you’re working with. People may spend months or years in therapy, so feeling comfortable and understood is important.
Regardless of the type of therapy, the goals are similar:
- Reduce symptoms
- Better understand yourself and your patterns
- Navigate emotions more effectively
- Build healthy coping skills
- Improve overall mindset and quality of life
Therapy is different from talking to a friend. While it can feel conversational, therapists are trained to guide, challenge, and support growth in ways that lead to meaningful change.
Thanks to neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change—both negative and positive experiences shape how we think and feel. Therapy plays an important role in this process, helping to strengthen healthier neural pathways, improve emotional regulation, and build lasting skills that can be applied throughout life.
Help is Here
Rosewood Recovery is here to help you explore your options. We offer Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programming. If you need a higher or lower level of care, we can provide referrals and support warm hand-offs to ensure continuity.
The first phone call is often the hardest step—but it’s also the beginning. You’ll be met with compassion, understanding, and a team focused on helping you find the treatment that’s right for you.
References
Challenge associated with mental health management: Barriers and consequences
