The Month That Reminds Us: We’re Seen, We’re Heard, We’re Supported

Rebecca Hilliard

Guest Blogger

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s deeply important to me because of what it represents. So many of us who struggle with our mental health feel alone—like no one cares or understands. But this month reminds us that there are people who care, who understand, and who want to help. Maybe no one in your personal life gets it, but all you need to do is search the hashtag #mentalhealthawarenessmonth to find thousands of posts and accounts supporting people like us. Many of these mental health pages are run by individuals who are struggling, too—people who truly get how hard it is, and who want to help others through it.

I know how lonely mental illness can be. I struggled for years before I found help. I tried talking to my friends, but none of them understood. They wanted to—but they just couldn’t. Because how do you explain what it’s like to be at war with your own brain every single day? How do you put into words what it’s like to live with dark, intrusive thoughts, constant anxiety, panic attacks, or the inability to get out of bed? It’s nearly impossible to explain to someone who hasn’t lived it. That’s why I love this month—it gives people the courage to speak up, and it strengthens our community.

There’s a lot of conversation around how social media can be harmful to mental health, and in many cases, that’s true. But if you’re intentional—if you follow the right hashtags and accounts—it can become a lifeline. For many of us, our personal lives are missing people who understand. But social media can connect us with people across the globe who do. I’ve found such a strong, supportive mental health community online, and I know you can too. Start by searching hashtags, following accounts that uplift you—and know that you're not alone. The WhiteFlag app fits right into this kind of support. It's anonymous and connects you with people who have been through what you're going through. It's a powerful way to find real, honest support.

The world feels heavy right now. There’s so much stress, pain, and uncertainty. It can feel hopeless, like things won’t get better, and that you're stuck in the dark with no way out. Social media can sometimes make this worse, especially if you're consuming content that fuels anxiety or negativity. That’s why it’s so important to curate your feed—make it a safe space. Follow only the accounts that help you feel seen, supported, and safe. Block or mute the ones that don’t. Tailor your hidden word list to filter out harmful content. Social media can be a place of healing, if you’re following the right voices.

Mental Health Awareness Month matters because it proves that people care. That our struggles matter. That we’re not alone. If you’re struggling and it feels like no one in your life understands, please know this: there are people—many people—out here who do. We want to help. We want to support you. WhiteFlag is here for you. I’m here for you. And so are countless others online. If you need help finding that community, message me. My Instagram is @inthistogethernow_. You're not alone in this.

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Connect with someone who understands on WhiteFlag: a free, anonymous, peer support network. Now!

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