What Is Mental Health Awareness Month? Why It Matters and How DBT Supports Emotional Wellness

May 12, 2025

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help when they need it most. At Mental Health Systems (MHS), we believe this national movement is more than a month-long observance—it’s a call to action to prioritize mental health every day of the year.

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Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

Mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. each year, according to NAMI, yet stigma and lack of access to care continue to prevent many from seeking the support they deserve. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to change that narrative by:

Promoting open conversations about mental health
Educating communities about signs, symptoms, and treatment options
Encouraging individuals to take steps toward wellness and recovery
Supporting access to effective, evidence-based care

At MHS, we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive services that meet individuals where they are—especially through our specialized programs using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

What Is DBT?

DBT is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals learn how to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors. DBT is widely used to support people with:

Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Emotion dysregulation

DBT focuses on balancing acceptance and change. Participants learn skills in four key areas:

Mindfulness: Increasing awareness of the present moment
Distress Tolerance: Managing crisis situations without making them worse
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and reducing emotional vulnerability
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating needs and setting healthy boundaries

How MHS Brings DBT to Individuals and Families

At MHS, we offer a full continuum of DBT services tailored to different age groups and needs:

Adult DBT Program

Our Adult DBT Program provides structured support for individuals navigating chronic emotion dysregulation, mood disorders, or ongoing mental health struggles. Clients participate in individual therapy, and DBT skills groups. MHS offers weekly groups for individuals who need a lower-level of care, or groups that meet three times a week for those who need a more intensive approach. We also offer DBT for Addiction programs to help those struggling with substance abuse. In addition, we have numerous specialty programs to help those struggling with trauma, development disorders, perinatal health challenges, and more.

College DBT Program

We understand that college students face unique challenges while juggling classes and their independence. We have a special DBT U program for college students and college-bound teens to help them cope with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Adolescent DBT Program

Teens face unique challenges with emotional development, identity, and stress. Our Adolescent DBT Program helps individuals and families build healthier patterns of communication, emotion regulation, and coping. We work closely with both the adolescent and their caregivers to ensure comprehensive support. In addition, we offer DBT for Addiction groups specifically for teens.

Early Adolescent DBT Program

Our Early Adolescent Program is specially designed for youth ages 12-14. With an emphasis on building foundational skills early, this program fosters emotional awareness, healthy coping, and better family communication during formative years.

We ALL Can Benefit From Mental Health Awareness

While many people think mental health equals mental illness, that’s not the case. In fact, mental health is like physical health. We need to work on our mental health – just like we do our physical health – to stay healthy and balanced. While not everyone has a mental illness, just like not everyone has a physical condition like diabetes or cancer, that requires specific attention, we all have ways we can improve our overall mental health.

Join Us in Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month

This Mental Health Awareness Month, MHS encourages you to:

Start a conversation about mental health
Share resources with someone who may be struggling
Participate in a wellness activity or support group
Reach out for professional help if you need it

Together, we can create a culture that values mental wellness, fosters understanding, and ensures that no one has to face their struggles alone.

If you or a loved one are ready to take the next step, our team is here to help. Learn more about our programs at sus012.brethummel.com.

The MHS Journals