In the 2025 State of Mental Health in America, Nevada ranked last in the country for
mental health and mental health care. Absolutely last. Of course, this is a problem
everywhere, as we all hear about rising rates of anxiety and depression, and people
who do not have the support they need.
So what can we do about it? No single person can solve the mental health crisis, but
each of us can take steps to help.
A good place to start is by learning more. One helpful book on trauma and mental
health is The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. He uses decades of
research and clinical experience to explain how the body can hold onto trauma even
when the mind tries to move forward. This can lead to chronic pain, anxiety, feeling
disconnected, and trouble trusting others.
The author explains how traditional talk therapy alone is often not enough, and explores a range of approaches that engage the body directly, including movement, yoga, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), neurofeedback, theater and community involvement. He emphasizes that trauma is a problem for all of society, not just those directly involved. He says that social systems and attitudes must change in order to create a safe space to both heal and prevent trauma.
Another important read is The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change by Stephen Hinshaw. Hinshaw, a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, argues that public attitudes toward mental illness have become more negative over time and that the majority of people who need care either cannot access it or cannot afford it. He shows how fear and deception have led to discriminatory laws, family silence, and social isolation.
Hinshaw offers a plan for change. He argues that laws and community structure need
to actively create spaces where people with mental illness are included rather than
isolated. He discusses how media coverage adds to the problem when it equates
mental illness with violence. He recommends that media coverage emphasize the
underlying humanity of people living with mental illness. He emphasizes the importance of education for families and individuals, helping loved ones see mental illness as a health condition rather than a moral failing. He also calls for compassionate, responsive care that meets people where they are.
Here are more specific steps you could consider taking:
- Take a break from your devices and connect with people in real life, whether it’s a quick chat with a cashier or a long conversation with a sibling.
- If someone shares their feelings with you, listen without judgment and let them know it’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes, just being present is the most supportive thing you can do.
- Take time to learn about topics like trauma, neurodiversity, addiction, and stigma. This knowledge will help you support others with compassion and understanding.
- Volunteer your time or donate to local nonprofits, crisis lines, or community groups. Even helping an hour a month can make a difference.
- If you enjoy writing, think about creating stories that highlight the humanity of people living with mental illness.
- Support or join advocacy groups that work for better access to care and more inclusive policies.
Fear and stereotypes grow when there is no real human connection, but personal relationships are a powerful tool for change that everyone can use. You can start by having a conversation you might have avoided, sharing a story, or checking in on a neighbor. Stigma shapes how people see themselves, and individuals have a role to play in dismantling it, one conversation and one relationship at a time.