May is Ending, But Mental Health Awareness Isn’t.

As May draws to a close, so does Mental Health Awareness Month—a time when the spotlight shines a little brighter on mental health education, advocacy and support. But for those of us in the mental health field, the work doesn't stop when the calendar turns. Raising awareness, holding space for healing and challenging the stigma around mental health is a year-round mission.

And as we enter June, we step into Pride Month—a time to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. But it’s also a time to reflect on the mental health disparities that still deeply affect LGBTQIA+ youth.

According to a 2024 survey from The Trevor Project, 50% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care were unable to get it. The number one reason? Fear of talking about their mental health concerns.

In 2023, The Trevor Project reported this same statistic at 56%. While this is an improvement and we are moving in the right direction, we must do more.

Behind those numbers are real stories—of teens afraid of being judged, of young people worried that their identity will be dismissed or misunderstood, and of youth who don't know if there’s a safe place to talk about what they’re going through.

This is exactly why we can’t box mental health advocacy into one month a year.

As therapists, parents, educators and allies, our responsibility is ongoing. We must continue creating environments—homes, schools, clinics and communities—where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, seen and supported. We must work to make conversations about mental health as normal as talking about physical health. And we must listen with curiosity and compassion, not judgment.

So while May may be over, the mission is not.

As Pride Month begins, let’s carry forward the momentum from Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s commit to breaking the silence, fighting stigma, and building a culture where no young person—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation—feels afraid to speak up and seek help.

Let’s be louder in June, and every month after.