In an effort to raise awareness and support for the mental wellness of our nation’s citizens, the month of May has been officially designated as Mental Health Awareness Month for over 75 years.

The initiative was established in 1949, following the creation of the National Institute of Mental Health, an official agency of the United States government. While a federally funded movement supporting mental health certainly seems progressive for the time period, we have since made significant improvements—both socially and scientifically—in our understanding and acceptance of mental health as a legitimate domain of healthcare.

Unfortunately, our society still largely fails to recognize mental health struggles with the same seriousness and nuance we afford to physical health concerns. And while many individuals acknowledge the large-scale mental health crisis plaguing our communities, we often overlook how the people closest to us may be harboring those hardships. Yet it is precisely these small-scale personal efforts to support those around us where we will truly make a difference.

We don’t need psychology degrees, profound wisdom, common experience, or any perfect solutions. A little more compassion, patience, and open-mindedness in our daily interactions goes a long way. But that starts by addressing the stigmas and misunderstandings obstructing our perceptions.

Tragically, the most prevailing social stigma surrounding this topic is the belief that seeking help from others is a sign of weakness or failure. Reaching out for support is one of the most courageous decisions that a human can make. Humanity has always reached its greatest heights through cooperation and community. Seeking professional help, joining a support group, or simply confiding in a loved one—to reach out to others is not a resignation of independence, it is a crucial step in fortifying one's strength. An outside voice often helps us cut through the criticism and doubt clouding our perspectives, and regain sight of our confidence, priorities, and better judgment. Sometimes it's simply the act of verbalizing our thoughts—rather than the reception that follows—which makes the most impact.

Another common misunderstanding is that mental health struggles only affect certain types of people. People who have experienced financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or a traumatic experience. The unfortunate truth is that mental health struggles do not discriminate, and they rarely make their presence known. People of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life can be affected. The smiling coworker, the overachieving student, the neighbor with the loving family—the people that we may least expect are vulnerable all the same.

It can be hard to understand how people who live such fortunate lives are affected to such a degree. It's easy to doubt the validity of their struggles. Are there not others in much worse situations, persevering every day, who dream of such a life? This same doubt often hangs over the heads of many who live with these struggles, often worsening their self-perception. That's not to say that this doubt should be disregarded, but it is a complex and nuanced topic, and not a measure of how worthy someone is of compassion. You don’t have to fully understand someone’s pain to acknowledge that it exists. Empathy doesn’t require a shared experience—only a willingness to believe someone when they say they’re hurting. That belief, as simple as it may seem, lets people know that they aren't completely on their own.

So this Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this small ask: Be a little gentler than you think you need to be. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Offer kindness without needing a reason. And don't be afraid to make small-talk with a stranger. You might leave them with a fond memory and a much-needed smile.