Mental Health Month | Trillium Health Resources

A green circle with the phrase in white

More Good Days, Together

Every May, people across the country recognize Mental Health Month. It is a time to learn, talk about mental health, and remind each other that help is available. This year’s theme from Mental Health America is “More Good Days, Together.”

But what is a “good day?” A good day does not have to be perfect. It might mean feeling calm, getting enough rest, laughing with a friend, or making it through a hard time. A good day looks different for everyone—and it can change from day to day.

At Trillium, we believe everyone deserves more good days. And we know that happens when we care for the whole person.

Make the connection

Whole-person health means caring for your mind, body, and daily life. Physical health impacts mental health. Mental health impacts physical health. For example, stress can cause headaches or trouble sleeping. Feeling down can make it harder to take care of yourself, whether that’s keeping up with hygiene, staying active, or connecting with others.

Daily needs matter too. Having a safe and stable place to live, enough food, and support from others at school, work, or in your community can greatly impact health and well-being. When these needs are met, it’s easier to have more good days. Here’s how Trillium supports the “whole person,” addressing both physical and mental health care:

Having a safe place to live: Trillium connects members to housing supports, including help finding stable housing, and programs for those at risk of homelessness. We also partner with supportive housing organizations like Oxford House to help individuals in recovery.
Having enough food: Trillium works with food banks and local partners to help members access meals and groceries. Care managers can connect individuals and families to food assistance and emergency resources.

Feeling connected to others: Trillium has peer support and community programs that help people build relationships and feel less alone.
Having support at school or work: Trillium offers services like school-based behavioral health care, adult transition programs, job coaching, supported employment, and skill-building to help people succeed. Trillium has helped people like Chrissy and Jared—watch this short video to hear their stories.

Meet Chrissy

Meet Jared

Together, these supports improve overall well-being—mental, physical, and social. Together, these supports improve overall well-being—mental, physical, and social.

A young woman covering her face looking in distress

You are not alone

Mental health challenges are common. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says that about 27 million people go untreated. This means there is an urgent need for awareness, community support, and increased access to care.

Children and teens can also have mental health challenges, and they are more common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 1 in 5 children—ages 3 to 17—has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder each year. The CDC also reports that about 4 in 10 high school students have felt very sad or hopeless. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says about 1 in 5 teens, ages 12 to 17, had a major depressive episode in the past year. These struggles can show up as changes in mood, sleep, school, or friendships.

How you can help

Sometimes people show signs when they are struggling. They may seem very sad, worried, or angry. They might stop spending time with others, lose interest in things they enjoy, or have changes in sleep or eating. Some people may talk about feeling hopeless or like they are a burden. If you notice these signs, do not ignore them. You can help by:

Asking how they are doing and really listening.
Letting them know they are not alone.
Encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult, doctor, or counselor.
Helping them find support if they are not sure where to start.
Taking an Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid course. It can help you feel ready to support someone who is having a hard time. The class teaches you how to spot warning signs, listen without judgment, and respond in a calm, helpful way. Visit our event calendar to find a course in your community.

If someone is in crisis or talks about hurting themselves, get help right away. Call or text 988. The 988 Suicide Crisis Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sometimes in dangerous situations, you may need to call 911. You should tell the dispatcher that someone is having a mental health crisis. You should ask for a Crisis Intervention Team officer or a Behavioral Health Response Team that works closely with other first responders to de-escalate crises and provide resources.

Small Steps Can Help Create More Good Days

A family hugging and laughing at the park

If the person experiencing mental health challenges is you, don’t try to make big changes all at once. Small steps can help, like:

Talking to someone you trust.
Taking breaks and getting enough sleep.
Spending time with friends or family.
Moving your body or going outside.
Asking for help when you need it.

These are just small steps, but they all add up over time and can lead to better days.

We Can Do this Together

The theme “More Good Days, Together” reminds us that no one has to do this alone. If you are struggling, reaching out is a strong first step. You can:

Take a free, private mental health screening from Mental Health America.
Talk to your primary care provider.
Connect with Trillium for support. Call Member and Recipient Services at 1-877-685-2415. You can also search for care—from doctors, therapists, and counselors—right in your community through the online Trillium Provider Directory. Trillium also offers Tailored Care Management that supports your whole health—not just one need.

Building More Good Days in Our Communities

A young man with a therapits in a living room

Where we live, work, and spend time affects our mental health. That is why Trillium works with community partners across our 46-county region. We take part in local events, training sessions, and other activities to share resources and reduce stigma. Find an event near you on Trillium’s website calendar. When communities come together, it becomes easier for everyone to find support—and to have more good days.

One good day can lead to another

This Mental Health Month, think about what a good day looks like for you. Maybe it’s a quiet moment. Maybe it is asking for help. Maybe it’s just getting through the day. Wherever you are right now, take one small step—then another. More good days are possible, and we can build them together.