5 Steps Everyone Can Take to Destigmatize Mental Health in Colorado

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we're seeing a troubling pattern: nearly 50% of people in Colorado who need our services are not seeking the help they need, even when it's available. The reasons are surprising. It's not the cost—our services are covered by insurance. It's not time—we can offer up to 3 months of paid mental health leave. And it's not access—Colorado ranks #10 in the nation for mental health workforce availability.

The real reason? Stigma.

Why Stigma Hurts Everyone

Stigma around mental health creates fear and shame, stopping people from seeking care early when treatments are most effective. The impact of untreated mental health issues ripples out into our communities and businesses in ways we can't ignore.

• Safer communities: When people are on edge due to untreated mental health issues, it can lead to tragic outcomes. Addressing mental health can prevent catastrophic events and foster safer neighborhoods.

• Stronger businesses: Employees who get help early are less likely to need extended leave, helping businesses run smoothly without sudden disruptions.

• Better outcomes for individuals: The sooner someone receives treatment, the easier it is to manage their condition, reducing the likelihood of reaching a crisis point. Fewer families are left heartbroken, fewer children are left parentless, and fewer lives are lost to suicide.

What You Can Do to Destigmatize Mental Health

Stigma is something we can all fight together. Here are five steps you can take to help make mental health care more accessible and accepted in Colorado:

1. Normalize conversations about mental health: Share your own struggles, not just your successes. By talking openly, you create space for others to feel safe in seeking help.

2. Support businesses like ours: Share statistics, blogs, and information about the availability of mental health services in Colorado. Let people know they're not alone and that help is accessible and ready when they are.

3. Educate employees about FAMLI leave: Encourage early intervention before someone’s condition worsens. FAMLI leave doesn’t have to be full-time—it can be part-time or intermittent, especially if employees start getting help early, before it becomes a crisis.

4. Employees, use FAMLI leave: It's a powerful tool that holds businesses accountable for creating healthier workplaces. Make your own mental health a priority and set an example for others by taking time off when needed. Your actions encourage others to seek care and push employers to rethink toxic work environments.

5. Employers, rethink your workplace culture: Preventing mental health crises is good for business. Review workloads, consider whether weekend emails are truly necessary, and address toxic behaviors early. Prioritize people over profits, and you’ll help reduce the need for mental health leave altogether.

6. Learn How To Support Loved Ones With Depression: Download our free guide!

We Can Do This, Colorado

Stigma dies when safe spaces are created for people to share their authentic stories. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we strive to be one of those safe spaces, but we need more. You can be a part of the change.

Help us break the stigma by sharing these statistics and letting others know that caring for their mental health is a sign of strength. Together, we can make mental health care a normal, accepted part of life in Colorado.

Let’s create a future where no one has to struggle in silence.