It’s no secret: May is Mental Health Month. This year, this comes at a particularly appropriate time as fears about the coronavirus, unemployment, quarantine, and more are rampant. Fortunately, mental health is taking center stage and you can see self-care themes reflected in every commercial, email, and ad. 

Would this have been the case if the pandemic took place 10 years ago? Not likely. 

Looking Back

We’ve talked about the history of mental health before. But even in 2010, the recession had just occurred and states were cutting budgets. “Over half of the states had to reduce funds to community mental health providers,” the 2010 SAMHSA report states, “and almost half of the states made reductions to state psychiatric hospital services.”

Just 5 years later, the 2015 SAMHSA report indicated states were spending “about $15.50 per person,” or $4.95 billion total, on a variety of mental health services. Maryland ranked 13th in mental health spending. 

Though the 2020 report is not yet out, it will most likely show an uptick in mental healthcare spending and resource allocation. And funding isn’t the whole story: since 2010, we can see an increased prevalence for the search term “mental health” in Google. 

Interestingly, those search term peaks mostly take place during April or October, the times of year that see an increase in symptoms of mental illness and suicide. 

2020

So what does this mean for us today?

This means that despite increased challenges like social media, the current pandemic, and politics, mental healthcare is getting more and more attention. It might not be at the pace that some mental healthcare providers would like, but it’s steadily rising in priority for state agencies and society. 

So the 286th time you see another commercial with a soft voice and some version of “we’re here with you” or “#AloneTogether,” roll those eyes, but also remember this moment represents decades of social progress and promises continued improvements. 

Together, we can educate ourselves, empower others, and end the stigma! Happy Mental Health Month! 

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