Martin County Human Services outlines mental health basics and highlights treatment gap during awareness month

Michelle Miller, Human Services Director for Martin County, opened the county’s Mental Health Awareness Month segment by saying the series aims “to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of mental well-being in every part of our community.”

Joanna Green, Human Services Manager, told Miller that “mental health is generally a blanket term describing how we think, feel, and act,” and said mental illnesses are diagnosable conditions that affect mood, thinking or behavior. “Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health,” Green said.

Asked how common mental health conditions are, Green cited commonly used national estimates: “In the United States, about one in five, or about 20% of people, live with mental illness at any given time.” She added that, despite the prevalence, “only about half of people receive treatment for the issues that they may be experiencing.”

Green addressed common misconceptions, rejecting the idea that mental health problems are a sign of weakness and pointing to environmental factors, genetics and other stressors as contributors. “Just as we don’t judge people for getting sick with the flu, we should also reserve judgment for people with regards to their mental health,” she said.

Miller framed the interview as part of an outreach effort to share resources and practical guidance for individuals, families and veterans. The segment closed with a reminder to seek information and education to reduce stigma and improve access to care.

The program did not include specific local service referrals, funding details or policy actions; the discussion focused on definitions, common conditions, prevalence estimates and the gap between need and treatment.