Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 9, 2025) — One in five adults in the United States has a mental health condition. These conditions — whether depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or others — can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity or income level. Yet, despite how common they are, many people don’t seek the help they need.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking that silence. Since its establishment in 1949, the month aims to educate, raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. This month is an opportunity to reach out to those who may be struggling and remind them they are not alone. There are many resources to help people seeking treatment, including here at the University of Kentucky. UK offers a range of mental health resources, including telehealth, therapists and other professionals.
“Although this may be a time when we most need support, the stigma of reaching out can sometimes feel too big. Stigma doesn’t just silence people, it convinces them that their pain isn’t valid enough to deserve help,” said Rhonda Henry, LCSW, a mental health therapist for UK Human Resources Health and Wellness. “It is easy to think of seeking support as selfish, embarrassing or futile. In reality, being met with compassion and support is often the first step to make meaningful life changes.”
It’s important for family, friends and even coworkers to understand how dealing with a mental illness can impact daily life. The better they are educated, the more they can be helpful and supportive.
“Here at UK, HR Health and Wellness is committed to the well-being of our employees and their families and their mental health needs,” said Melissa Frederick, vice president and chief human resources officer. “We encourage our supervisors to recognize and respond to the mental health needs of their employees and share our resources to best serve them.”
UK HR Health and Wellness is hosting several mental health events throughout the month.
Join UK HR Health and Wellness for the following upcoming events:
- Mental Health Bingo: Breaking Stigma One Square at a Time
- Balance Break: A Mental Health Pop-Up Event
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training
For additional information and resources, visit the UK HR Health and Wellness mental health page.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.