May is Mental Health Awareness Month

At Nevada Health Centers, we believe that mental health is health — and that recovery is always possible.
This week, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we focus on raising awareness about Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), reducing stigma, and promoting hope for individuals and families navigating these conditions.

Understanding SMI and SED

• Serious Mental Illness (SMI) refers to mental health conditions that significantly interfere with major life activities. This includes illnesses such as:

  • Schizophrenia

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Major depressive disorder

• Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) is a term used for children and adolescents under 18 who experience mental health conditions that severely impact their ability to function at home, in school, or in community settings.

Millions of people in the United States live with SMI or SED, and while these conditions can be challenging, they are manageable with early diagnosis, coordinated care, and strong support systems.

Key Facts to Know

• Approximately 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.

• Roughly 7.7 million youth in the U.S. have mental health conditions that significantly affect their daily lives.

• Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes for both SMI and SED.

• Despite the effectiveness of treatment, less than half of adults and youth with significant mental health needs receive care. (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI)

These numbers highlight the urgent need for better access to care, stigma reduction, and continuous community support.

Recovery Is Possible

Living with a serious mental health condition does not define a person’s future.
Recovery is a real and achievable journey. With early diagnosis, continuous support, and a strong care network, many individuals with SMI or SED:

• Work in fulfilling careers

• Maintain meaningful relationships

• Pursue education

• Contribute actively to their communities

Recovery looks different for everyone — and that’s okay. What matters is building a life that feels meaningful to the individual.

How We Can Support Individuals and Families

1. Encourage Early Intervention

Recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional support can prevent mental health conditions from worsening.

2. Promote Coordinated Care

Integrated care — where medical, mental health, and social services are combined — offers individuals a better chance at managing their conditions successfully.

3. Reduce Stigma Through Open Conversations

Stigma isolates individuals and families. Talking openly about mental health fosters empathy, encourages help-seeking, and shows that no one is alone.

4. Strengthen Support Networks

Recovery is not a solo journey. Families, friends, educators, and communities all play a role in offering encouragement, understanding, and connection.

5. Celebrate Every Step Forward

Every success — no matter how small — deserves recognition. Growth, resilience, and persistence should be honored at every stage of recovery.

Nevada Health Centers: Partnering for Hope

At Nevada Health Centers, we provide compassionate, personalized behavioral health services for individuals of all ages, including those living with SMI and SED.
Our team understands the unique needs and challenges individuals and families face — and we are here to walk alongside you with support, care, and respect.

💬 You are not alone. Hope and healing are possible.

👉 Learn more or schedule an appointment: https://www.nevadahealthcenters.org/services/behavioral-health/

Or call us at 800.787.2568

Together, we can reduce stigma, promote recovery, and celebrate the strength of every individual’s mental health journey. 💚