It’s OK Not to Be OK: Prioritizing Mental Health

Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health. This national observance aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

More than half of adults in the U.S. will experience a mental illness — conditions affecting mood, behavior, or thinking — at some point in their lives. The most common include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, nearly half of adults facing mental health challenges don’t receive the treatment they need due to high care costs, provider shortages, and lingering stigma.

When left untreated, mental health conditions can affect both personal and work responsibilities — but support is available, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

You Are Not Alone

Mental health challenges are common and treatable. If you or a loved one is struggling, consider these steps:

• Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or mentor.
• Use confidential hotlines for immediate support:
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime
• Join a support group to connect with others who understand.
• Practice self-care: regular exercise, nutritious meals, quality sleep, mindfulness, and hobbies.
• Seek professional support from a therapist, counselor, or mental health provider.

4 Reasons Why Reading Supports Mental Well-Being

Reading isn’t just entertainment — it’s good for your brain and emotional health too. Some healthcare providers even recommend bibliotherapy, or therapeutic reading, to support individuals facing anxiety, depression, and grief.

Here’s how reading benefits your mind:

1. Cognitive Stimulation
   Regular reading helps maintain brain function and mental sharpness as we age.
2. Stress Reduction
   Just six minutes of reading can lower stress by up to 68%, offering a healthy escape from daily worries.
3. Improved Focus
   Reading strengthens concentration and attention to detail — skills that carry over to everyday tasks.
4. Enhanced Social Skills
   Fiction readers often develop better empathy and social awareness through connecting with characters’ experiences.

Tips If You’re Struggling to Read

Mental health challenges can affect focus and motivation. If reading feels overwhelming:

• Try audiobooks — listening counts!
• Pick books you genuinely enjoy — no pressure to read what’s trending.
• Choose short stories, articles, or magazines for lighter, quicker reads.
• Let go of reading goals or expectations and focus on hobbies that bring you joy.

Mental wellness is vital at every age — including for those navigating Medicare and individual health coverage options. Zinn Insurance is here to support your whole health journey.

👉 Contact us to learn how your health plan can support mental health resources.