May is Mental Health Awareness Month
As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, we turn our focus to one of the most powerful forces in mental wellness: community and connection.
Recovery and resilience are rooted in relationships. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, a provider, or a neighbor — support systems make a lasting difference in someone’s mental health journey.
Why Connection Matters
Mental health challenges do not exist in isolation, and they shouldn’t be faced that way either.
Supportive relationships reduce stress, increase self-worth, and remind individuals that they are not alone — even in their most difficult moments.
Key Research Findings:
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People who feel connected to others experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, and report higher self-esteem and quality of life.
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Loneliness has been shown to be as harmful to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
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Strong social ties can reduce the risk of suicide, increase engagement in treatment, and boost recovery outcomes. (Sources: CDC, NIH, Mental Health America)
The evidence is clear: connection isn’t just comforting — it’s life-enhancing.
How Community Strengthens Mental Health 
When we create connected, compassionate communities, we:
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Reduce stigma by normalizing conversations about mental health
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Encourage people to seek help without fear or shame
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Build trust between individuals and the healthcare system
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Create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued
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Foster resilience by providing encouragement during life’s challenges
Mental health challenges do not define a person. What defines us is our capacity to grow, to recover, and to support one another through it.
What You Can Do to Build a Mentally Healthy Community
✔ Talk About It
Open up about your experiences and be ready to listen. Even one honest conversation can break down barriers.
✔ Check In Regularly
A simple “How are you doing today?” can mean the world. Small gestures build big trust.
✔ Offer Support, Not Solutions
You don’t need to have all the answers. Being present, nonjudgmental, and patient is enough.
✔ Encourage Self-Care
Respect others’ boundaries and model healthy practices like rest, reflection, and wellness routines.
✔ Connect Others to Resources
If someone you know is struggling, help them connect to a provider or share available resources — like those offered by Nevada Health Centers.
Nevada Health Centers: Here for You and Your Community
At Nevada Health Centers, we know that mental health is not a solo journey — and no one should have to walk it alone.
We’re committed to building a healthier, more connected Nevada, one conversation and one relationship at a time.
💚 Mental health is health — and community is key to recovery.
👉 Learn more about our behavioral health services or schedule an appointment today:
https://www.nevadahealthcenters.org/services/behavioral-health/
Or call us at 800.787.2568
Together, we can end the stigma, empower healing, and build communities where everyone belongs.