Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide, yet almost half never receive treatment. During Depression Awareness Month, it’s important to understand how awareness and advocacy can bridge that gap and save lives. The Hard Truth About Access to Care Despite depression being one of the most common mental health conditions, barriers like stigma, cost, and lack of access prevent millions from getting the help they need. According to the World Health Organization , untreated depression is a leading cause of disability globally, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Why Awareness Matters Awareness isn’t just about sharing statistics; it’s about changing the narrative. When we normalize mental health conversations, we reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out without shame. What You Can Do: Share credible mental health information Support friends or family who may be struggling Encourage open, stigma-free conversations online Awareness do...