Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is celebrated to increase awareness about mental health and wellness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental illness. It provides a national platform to educate the public, advocate for better policies, and encourage open conversations about mental health. I am not a mental health expert, but I know that hopefulness helps our mental health so I want to share a few things that mental health experts want us to know and be aware of. • Increased Awareness: The month aims to raise public understanding of mental health issues, including their prevalence, impact, and potential for prevention. • Reducing Stigma: By openly discussing mental health, the stigma associated with mental illness is reduced, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. • Promoting Support: Mental Health Awareness Month provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to offer support to those struggling with mental health challenges. • Advocacy for Better Policies: The month serves as a catalyst for advocacy, encouraging policy changes that prioritize mental health care and access. • Celebrating Recovery: Mental Health Awareness Month also recognizes the progress and resilience of individuals who have recovered from mental illness. In the US 1 in 4 of us will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder this year and 50% will have have a mental health disorder in our lifetimes.