May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of mental illness and fight the stigma that goes with it. Every year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness, and some go without support or treatment. As symptoms of mental illnesses appear, family members often experience denial as they seek to cope with confusing or frightening behaviors, especially bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, so seek guidance from a professional counselor, medical doctor, or the EAP when you see symptoms. They may include confused thinking, prolonged depression (sadness or irritability), feelings of extreme highs and lows, excessive fears, worries and anxieties, several social withdrawal, dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits, usually strong feelings of anger, thoughts (delusions), seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), growing inability to cope with daily problems, or suicidal statements. Learn more at the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, check out the EAP for resources and guidances.