This Mental Health Awareness Month, I've been reflecting on human connection and how essential it is to our well-being. Humans are social beings, and we were never meant to go through life independently, but these days, many people are struggling with isolation and loneliness. I often think about caring for each other in the context of a ladder; each of us is trying to move upward – climbing a “ladder” of progressive challenges at work, in our families, and elsewhere. On our way up the ladder, we encounter new challenges, including mental health challenges, and we sometimes wobble. When the ladder is unsteady, we can rely on our community – family, friends, colleagues, and other loved ones – to keep us grounded and stable. The people who hold our ladders firm are a piece of the mental health care puzzle, too.
May 2026 polling data from the American Psychiatric Association shows that 42% of Americans have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past twelve months – and 16% reported feeling lonely every day. Not only that, but 38% of respondents shared that they turn to social media when they feel lonely, and 9% said they talk to an AI chatbot. In our new reality, shared experiences and human support are more vital than ever before.
Mental health challenges can feel like a never-ending climb, but it’s so much easier to keep going when you have support from others, and when you, in turn, are willing to support them. Holding the ladders of people you care for can take many forms. It may look like hosting a neighborhood potluck, using the Notice. Talk. Act. ® framework in your workplace, or just calling to check in with someone you know has had a long week. Caring for those in our community is rarely convenient and sometimes awkward, but always worth it.
Lifestyle psychiatry tells us that strong social bonds are not just helpful, but necessary in maintaining our mental health. 2022 research findings from the Ohio State University showed that among a group of people with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety, performing an act of kindness reduced those symptoms and elevated mood more effectively than two other interventions. Closeness with others gets us out of the house, motivates us to overcome challenges, and brings us comfort at the end of a long day. Like nutrition and adequate sleep, receiving and giving community care nourishes our bodies and minds.
I have held others’ ladders and been the grateful recipient of a lot of grace as others held mine steady, even when I wouldn’t have minded retreating a few rungs. What I have learned over the years is that when we allow ourselves to accept help from others, our mental health improves. When our attention economy consistently distracts us with false urgency and notifications that pull us in every direction, staying rooted in reciprocal, caring relationships is possibly the single most powerful method of maintaining our mental health. I've come to understand that making sure you have the right support structure in place before a crisis is crucial. If you realize that you’re in need of more support, don’t worry – help is available. And if you’re eager to be a bigger part of someone else’s support system, but aren’t sure where to start, don’t be shy – reach out and ask them what they need to feel more supported today.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at the APA Foundation, we believe that there is no health without mental health. To learn how to better care for your own mental health or support others, visit mentalhealthcareworks.org today.