23 May 2026
AMEND USA Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, education, and support for individuals and families facing mental health challenges.
AMEND USA, recognizes that mental health is often inseparable from physical health, especially for those living with genetic disorders, and rare endocrine diseases such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN).
Individuals affected by rare diseases often face emotional burdens, including prolonged medical uncertainty, delayed diagnoses, repeated surgeries, lifelong monitoring, financial strain, and concerns about hereditary risk for future generations.
These realities significantly increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Research shows that people living with rare chronic diseases experience disproportionately high rates of mental health disorders.Additionally, national mental health data from the National Institute of Mental Health show that anxiety and depression continue to affect millions of Americans annually, with nearly 1 in 5 adults reporting anxiety or depression.
For patients with MEN and other endocrine disorders, the psychological impact is often compounded by genetic implications for family members, and the lifelong nature of disease management. Caregivers and family members experience emotional exhaustion and chronic stress while supporting loved ones through complex healthcare journeys.
Join AMEND USA in making mental health awareness a priority in May because it helps reduce stigma, encourages people to seek treatment earlier, improves communication between patients and healthcare providers, and promotes holistic care.
Addressing mental health openly can improve quality of life, strengthen resilience, and lead to better overall health outcomes.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, AMEND USA encourages patients, families, healthcare professionals, and advocates to prioritize mental wellness alongside physical lives of those affected by Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia and other rare endocrine conditions.
Thomas Lehrich
Board Member, AMEND USA