Mental Health Awareness Month kicks off this year, a time to speak up, support one another, and break the stigma around mental illness. One way to spread awareness is by wearing a green ribbon—it’s a symbol of hope, renewal, and vitality, and it shows your support while helping educate others about the realities of mental health. This past year anxiety was the most common mental health issue in the U.S.
“Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal,” the
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states in their 2026 campaign materials.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 19.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year. This statistic represents over 50 million Americans struggling with conditions that often remain invisible to casual observers.
“Anxiety disorders are more than just feeling stressed or worried,” Dr. Maria Rodriguez said, clinical psychologist at University Medical Center. “They can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. What makes anxiety particularly challenging is that someone could be experiencing an anxiety attack right beside you, and you might never know it.”
Mental health experts emphasize the importance of recognizing anxiety symptoms in ourselves and others. Anxiety attacks can manifest with both physical and psychological symptoms. Common physical signs include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and chest pain. Psychological symptoms may involve a sense of impending doom, fear of losing control, and irrational thoughts.
“Many people suffering from anxiety disorders develop coping mechanisms that mask their
symptoms in public,” Rodriguez said. “This is why education and awareness are crucial—it helps us understand what might be happening beneath the surface.”
Mental health professionals often reference the “5 Cs of mental health” as a framework for promoting well-being: Connection, Coping, Compassion, Community, and Care. These principles, when integrated into daily life, can help individuals build resilience, manage stress, and enhance overall quality of life.
Connection involves maintaining meaningful relationships that provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Coping refers to developing healthy strategies to manage stress and navigate challenges. Compassion encompasses empathy for oneself and others, while Community emphasizes being part of supportive social networks. Care involves taking proactive steps for mental wellness, including seeking professional help when needed.
“The 5 C’s provide a holistic approach to mental health that addresses both prevention and intervention,” said Rodriguez. “By strengthening these five areas in our lives, we build protective factors against mental health challenges.”
When someone might be struggling with anxiety or another mental health condition, it’s important to approach them with empathy and patience. Staying calm and offering reassurance can make a big difference. Encourage slow, deep breathing and try grounding techniques—like having them focus on what they can see, hear, or feel—to help bring their attention to the present moment. Avoid downplaying their experience or telling them to “snap out of it,” as anxiety attacks can feel intense but are usually temporary.
For those experiencing mental health challenges, resources are available, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support via phone, text, or chat.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same care and attention. By learning more and talking openly, we can help build a campus community where everyone feels safe, supported, and understood in whatever they’re going through.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month events in your area, visit nami.org
or contact your local NAMI chapter.
