Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Still Matters in 2025
Erin Bratsky
May 2025
As May brings Mental Health Awareness Month to our calendars, I find myself reflecting on why we still need to shine a spotlight on mental health, even with the endless mental health campaigns. The answer is, because the work isn't finished.
Why Awareness is still necessary
Despite 75 years of campaigns, stigma hasn't packed its bags. About 22.8% of U.S. adults, roughly one in five, experienced a mental illness last year, yet nearly half received no treatment. In Montana, the need is amplified by rural isolation and provider shortages. When myths drown out facts, people wait, worry, or white-knuckle their way through symptoms that are treatable.
At Brighter Sky Counseling, we see the impact of this gap every day. We meet clients who've suffered silently for years before making that first call. We hear the relief in their voices when they realize they're not alone. And we witness the transformation that happens when people receive the support they deserve.
This is why awareness matters. Not as a checkbox or a hashtag, but as a continuous conversation that creates pathways to healing.
Voices From the Couch
Nothing busts myths like the lived experiences and insights of people who do this work every day. Three Brighter Sky Counseling clinicians weighed in on what Counseling Awareness Month means to them. Their words remind us that the "action" piece is deeply personal—for clients and for therapists.
Peyton Croaker, PCLC: "We could all use a therapist. Therapy isn't only for crisis mode; it's a space for personal growth and self-discovery. Even therapists benefit from the process."
Peyton's point reframes counseling from last-ditch rescue to everyday wellness tool—on par with the dentist, the gym, or that budgeting app you finally downloaded.
Kendra Herlyn, LCPC: "A misconception I wish more people understood is that going to therapy isn't a sign of weakness. The truth? Seeking therapy shows strength and self-awareness. The most unexpected benefit clients discover is the relief they feel after talking about what has weighed them down for so long."
Kylie Becker, LCPC, ATR-P shares "You can't pour from an empty cup, but you also can't refill it by pretending it's full."
Small Steps Toward Better Mental Health
While professional support is invaluable, there are also small steps we can all take to nurture our mental wellbeing:
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend. Self-criticism rarely motivates positive change.
Build in micro-moments of mindfulness: Even 30 seconds of focused breathing can interrupt stress cycles and bring you back to the present.
Move your body: Physical movement—whether it's a hike through Montana's beautiful landscapes or a gentle stretch at your desk—can significantly impact your mood.
Connect authentically: Quality relationships are one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing. Make time for the connections that fill your cup.
Set boundaries: Learning to say "no" to what depletes you creates space for what nourishes you.
Remember that these practices aren't about achieving perfection—they're about progress. As we often remind our clients, mental health is a journey, not a destination.
The Power of "We All Could Use a Therapist"
At Brighter Sky Counseling, "We all could use a therapist" isn't just a catchphrase—it's a philosophy that guides our approach. It reminds us that seeking support isn't about being broken; it's about being human.
This perspective shifts therapy from something only "other people" need to a resource we all can benefit from at different points in our lives. It normalizes the conversation around mental health and invites everyone to consider how counseling might enhance their wellbeing.
As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to reflect on your own mental health journey. What myths might be holding you back? What small steps could you take toward greater wellbeing? And how might professional support fit into your overall wellness picture?
Because the truth is, we all have mental health—just as we all have physical health. And both deserve our attention, care, and commitment.
If you're curious about how therapy might support you, we're here. Our team at Brighter Sky Counseling offers a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your questions and concerns. Reach out today to schedule an appointment, whether in-person or via telehealth.
Because we truly believe: we all could use a therapist. Not because we're broken, but because being human is complicated, and none of us should have to navigate it alone.