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In recent years, there’s been much discussion about mental health. From anxiety to depression, it seems like so many people – at least those with the resources to do so – have turned to therapy as a solution. From politics to finances and family life to the pandemic, there’s no shortage of situations that cause stress. 

Stress is a natural, normal physical and emotional response to the challenges, changes, and demands of everyday life. For some the stress is fleeting and manageable, but for others it becomes severe and impacts daily life. 

In the dark: Depression

The National Institutes of Health reports that major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the US. For some, it can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities.

The NIH referenced the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health s definition of a major depressive episode, which is widely based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

It defines major depression as a period of at least two weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and had most specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth. No exclusions were made for major depressive episode symptoms caused by medical illness, substance use disorders, or medication.

According to the NIH in 2021, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode during the year. This represents 8.3% of all American adults.

The State of Mental Health in America 2025 report by Mental Health America, a national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention, stated that 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life. Half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. 

Other stats from MHA: Approximately 42.5 million US adults have anxiety disorders; these disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in America. The report included numbers on depression. It stated that 22.5 million US adults had major depression, 4.8 million youth (ages 12 to 17) had major depression, and 3.6 million youth had severe depression.

Crisis mode

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US is currently in a mental health crisis. Although this is being experienced by people of all ages, the CDC states that it is especially prevalent among young people. 

Let’s look at classrooms across America. Approximately 40% of students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9% attempted suicide.

Although this trend was observed prior to the pandemic, the CDC says COVID-19-related factors further exacerbated the issue. In addition, drug overdose and suicide remain leading causes of deaths in the US. These deaths, often associated with mental distress, continue to impact families and communities in a variety of ways – from socially to emotionally and economically. 

Getting help

Help is on the way. October is recognized as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. It’s time to focus on education, early detection, and reducing the stigma around mental health conditions. 

This month, we also have Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is celebrated during the first full week of October. Led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, its mission is to raise public awareness. 

Thanks to NAMI’s advocacy, Congress recognized the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges. In 1990, it officially established Mental Illness Awareness Week. Every year since then, communities from coast to coast have joined forces to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health. 

This month, there’s also World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10 with an aim to mobilize support and highlight critical global mental health themes. Organizations and individuals use the day to educate the public about mental health conditions and remove social stigma. On this day, stakeholders also push for better mental health policies, improved care access, and increased funding. 

This year’s theme is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” It highlights the importance of listening to people who navigate mental health challenges firsthand to drive better policies, break down stigma, and create inclusive support systems. Join the movement by spreading awareness via the campaign materials or sharing supportive resources on social media. Tune in. Be sure to listen and engage. Attend local or global virtual events that center around personal stories and advocacy. Another component is seeking support. If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, be sure to utilize local resources or national helplines.

Types of mental illness

It’s important to know that mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate and severe. Two broad categories are used to describe these conditions. They include any mental illness (AMI) and serious mental illness (SMI). 

AMI encompasses all recognized mental illnesses. It is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. It can vary in impact, ranging from no impairment to mild, moderate, and even severe impairment. Generalized anxiety disorder fits into the AMI category.

Now, let’s look at SMI. Defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, SMIs result in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. The burden of mental illnesses is particularly concentrated among those who experience disability due to SMI. Schizophrenia is an example of an SMI.

Signs and symptoms

NAMI explains that deciphering the difference between expected behaviors and potential signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. “There’s no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness,” it states. 

According to the organization, each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include excessive worrying or fear, feeling excessively sad or low, confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning, extreme mood changes including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria, or prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger. Other signs include avoiding friends and social activities, difficulties understanding or relating to other people, changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy, changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite, and changes in sex drive. 

There’s also difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality) inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (“lack of insight” or anosognosia); overuse of alcohol or drugs; and multiple physical ailments without obvious causes such as headaches, stomach aches, or vague and ongoing “aches and pains”.

Other signs: Thinking about suicide, an inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress, and an intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance.

Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. 

Symptoms in children may include changes in school performance; excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school; hyperactive behavior; frequent nightmares; frequent disobedience or aggression; and frequent temper tantrums.

Resources are available

Although millions of adults and youth experience depression, a significant portion delay or avoid seeking care. Most people who actively seek treatment experience meaningful improvements. 

Luckily, resources are available for those who are suffering. Screening tools help bridge the gap between noticing persistent symptoms such as changes in sleep, prolonged sadness, or loss of interest, and connecting with a professional. Crisis hotlines and immediate support lines are also available. 

NAMI’s 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month theme invites everyone to join NAMI in speaking up against mental health stigma. This month provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone.

NAMI believes that by sharing our lived experiences, learning from each other’s experiences, and building strong community connections, we can challenge stigma and create spaces where people are supported, understood, and find healing. It also believes that stigma grows in silence. That’s why the organization encourages everyone to share their story. Be the reason someone realizes that they don’t have to face this alone: share your story by submitting a video or submitting a written story via nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/.

The organization also encourages you to break the silence about your own experience, challenge, or a stigma you’ve faced. It all starts with speaking our truths. The site offers sample social media captions such as “Mental Illness Awareness Week is here!” This year’s theme is “Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together. We’re stronger when we lift each other up” and “Mental health journeys are better together.” This #MIAW, find your people in the NAMI community. First time joining? There’s space for you. Tag someone who needs connection too.”

Use the hashtag #MHAM #YouAreNotAlone •

Connect for free with a NAMI Helpline specialist or a Teen & Young Adult Helpline specialist. Available Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm est. The NAMI Helpline is also available at (800) 950-NAMI (6264), text “Helpline” to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org.