Dignity Health: It’s Time to Treat Mental Health Like Health

Stockton, Calif. (May 15, 2025) – During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Dignity Health is sounding the alarm: the mental health crisis in America demands urgent, coordinated action. Mental health is health—and the connection between mind and body is too critical to ignore.

Health systems are on the front lines of this growing emergency. Alarming national data makes the need for immediate response clear:

• Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S.—almost 60 million people—experienced a mental illness in the past year.
• Over 66% of Americans say that financial stress has worsened their mental health, while 58% cite the 2024 election as a significant factor contributing to their anxiety.
• A new study shows 11.7% of primary care visits now involve mental health concerns, and integrated care models have been shown to reduce suicide attempts by 25%.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap: Access, Awareness, and Action,” reflects the pressing need to remove barriers to mental health care and promote meaningful engagement at every level of society.

“Mental health is not just part of our well-being—it is at the heart of whole body health,” said Sandeep Mann, MD, Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center Outpatient Services. “When we listen with compassion, and when we offer support without judgment—we remind people they are not alone.” 

Tips for Staying Mentally Healthy, from Dr. Mann:

• Talk to Your Doctor: Primary care visits are a great time to discuss how you’re feeling emotionally—your doctor can be your first line of support.
• Create Routine: Structure your day to include moments of rest, movement, and connection.
• Limit scrolling: Give yourself boundaries around news and social media exposure.
• Talk It Out: Sharing how you feel with someone you trust—whether a friend or therapist—can reduce emotional weight.
• Breathe with Intention: Mindful breathing for even 60 seconds can reduce stress responses.
• Ask for Help Early: Don’t wait for a crisis. Seeking help is a strength—not a weakness.

Dignity Health invites the community to join in spreading awareness and supporting mental well-being this month and every month. Mental health is health—and everyone deserves access to compassionate, equitable care.

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About St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center
Dignity Health St. Joseph's Behavioral Health Center (SJBHC) is a licensed, not-for-profit facility, providing comprehensive behavioral health services for psychiatric and chemical dependency disorders. Located in Stockton, California, SJBHC includes a 35-bed inpatient hospital, day treatment programs, and outpatient services. The specially trained staff of board certified psychiatrists, physicians, and licensed professionals are committed to providing compassionate, quality care and creating an atmosphere that fosters communication, trust and personal growth. SJBHC is a member of Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system with care sites across 21 states, dedicated to advancing health for all people. For more information, visit our website www.DignityHealth.org/Stockton/BehavioralHealth.