Each year, May serves as a powerful reminder that our mental health deserves the same care and attention we give to physical well-being. Mental Health Awareness Month, observed nationwide since 1949, is more than a campaign—it’s a lifeline. In 2025, the need for awareness and access to mental health care remains as urgent as ever, particularly for those facing the complex difficulties of a dual diagnosis, where mental illness and substance use disorders intersect.
Understanding a Dual Diagnosis
Many people who struggle with a mental health disorder (MHD) may try to self-medicate by abusing addictive substances, worsening their overall condition. Additionally, substance or alcohol misuse can increase the chances of developing an MHD.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that approximately 35% of individuals with a mental illness also suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) during their lifetime. The most common mental health conditions that have a high potential for co-occurring disorders include:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
Far too often, people are treated for one condition while the other remains in the shadows. The two conditions feed into one another, often complicating treatment and recovery. When one condition goes unaddressed, both tend to worsen.
How Mental Health Awareness Month Can Help
Although public conversations around mental health have grown in recent years, stigma and misinformation continue to prevent people from seeking help. Currently, social and economic stressors, political division, and a lack of quality care have only intensified mental health challenges for many people.
Mental Health America (MHA)—the creators of Mental Health Awareness Month—released findings from the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report. Here are some of the key points, which we provide verbatim:
- In 2021-2022, 23% of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year, equivalent to nearly 60 million Americans.
- More than 5% of the U.S. adult population (12.8 million people) reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. After slight decreases in suicide deaths in 2019 and 2020, the number of individuals who died by suicide in 2022 was the highest number ever recorded in the U.S.
- The vast majority of individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. 18% of adults in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in the past year. Of them, 77% did not receive treatment.
Unfortunately, Texas has challenging ratings regarding access to quality MHD, SUD, and AUD treatment. According to the most recent data (2023) from The Commonwealth Fund:
- 30% of adults in the state with any type of MHD reported an unmet need, compared to 28% nationally.
- 62% of Texans with any type of MHD didn’t receive treatment, compared to 55% of Americans.
- 79% of adults in the state with AUD or SUD didn’t receive treatment, compared to 77% of adults in the U.S.
This is why Mental Health Awareness Month is so critical. It advocates for whole-person, coordinated care that addresses all aspects of someone’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
Helpful Initiatives for Mental Health Awareness in May
MHA’s theme for 2025 is “Turn Awareness Into Action”. The organization offers numerous methods for taking care of yourself and advocating for others, such as:
- Mental health screenings.
- A 2025 wellness calendar with daily tips for May.
- A shareable resources guide.
- Apps, worksheets, and other tools to improve mental well-being.
Other major organizations are involved in the program, too. For example:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness spearheads a special hotline, NAMIWalks in May, to raise funds for health services, and an opportunity to share your journey and learn from others with this year’s theme, “In Every Story, There’s Strength”, to help normalize mental health challenges.
- The National Council for Mental Wellbeing offers a comprehensive toolkit and additional resources for becoming trained in mental health first aid.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also offers mental health screenings and special events during its National Awareness Week, May 11-17, 2025.
You don’t have to be a professional to make a difference. Here are some everyday ways to support Mental Health Awareness Month:
- Check in with loved ones. A simple, sincere “How are you really doing?” can open the door to meaningful conversations.
- Share mental health resources in your community or online.
- Volunteer with local organizations or attend an awareness event in your area.
Also worth noting: The United Nations designated October as World Mental Health Month. Many of the same health organizations participate in that, too, including sponsoring various events, comprehensive screenings, and more.
Get the Quality Dual Diagnosis Care You Deserve at Great Oaks
While these awareness campaigns are vital, you don’t need to wait for a special time to get dedicated medical attention. As a premier addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment center, Great Oaks Recovery Center, outside of Houston, Texas, our board-certified professionals have extensive counseling methods to help you address your dual diagnosis under the guidelines of your individualized treatment plans. Together, we’ll work progressively toward better emotional, mental, and physical health. Contact our admission team anytime, day or night, to learn more.
If you or someone you love needs immediate assistance, please contact one of the following hotlines:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 from any phone for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You don’t need to be suicidal to reach out.
- The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or text ‘START’ to 678-678. LGBTQIA2S+ young people can turn to this free and confidential resource for various levels of support.
- Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 and then press 1 or text 838255. This therapeutic service is open to all former and current service members, their family members, and friends.
