May is Lyme Disease and Mental Health Awareness Month: A Time for Awareness, Compassion, and Hope

Jodi Chapin
May 5
4 min read

By Jodi Chapin RN

May marks National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how tick-borne illnesses affect our communities and highlight the often invisible battles that many endure. But May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and these two observances are more connected than you might think.

Both the physical toll of Lyme disease and the emotional weight of mental health struggles can leave individuals feeling lost, beaten down, and hopeless. At Green Network Providers, we see you, we hear you, and we want you to know—you are not alone. We’re here to walk this path with you, providing compassionate care and holistic support.

The Prevalence of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 89,000 cases were reported in 2023. However, estimates suggest that approximately 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year in the United States.

Mental Health Implications

The impact of Lyme disease extends beyond physical symptoms. Research indicates a significant association between Lyme disease and mental health disorders. A study led by Columbia University found that individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease had a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and were twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to those without the diagnosis . Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties are common, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health.

When left untreated—or even after antibiotic treatment—many patients continue to suffer from Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). The chronic symptoms are not just painful, but isolating and emotionally exhausting, often leading to or exacerbating anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Lyme Disease and Mental Health: The Hidden Struggle

Living with a misunderstood and often invisible illness like Lyme disease can take a toll on your mental health. Many patients describe feeling gaslighted by the medical system, misdiagnosed, or dismissed entirely. The result? A deep sense of helplessness and frustration that compounds the physical symptoms.

That’s why May is such a powerful month to raise awareness—because mental health and chronic illness go hand-in-hand, and healing must address both.

Cannabis as a Tool for Relief

While cannabis is not a cure for Lyme disease, it is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for managing many of its symptoms:

1. Chronic Pain: THC and CBD can help reduce joint, muscle, and nerve pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

2. Inflammation: Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may calm the immune response triggered by Lyme.

3. Sleep Support: Many patients find cannabis useful for easing insomnia and supporting deep, restorative sleep.

4. Mental Health: Certain cannabis strains or formulations can relieve anxiety and elevate mood, supporting emotional resilience during difficult periods.

5. Neurological Symptoms: Cannabis has shown promise in reducing nerve pain, tremors, and other neurological symptoms associated with PTLDS.

🔍 Important: Always consult with a knowledgeable provider to determine the safest and most effective approach for using cannabis as part of your wellness plan.

How Green Network Providers Can Help

At Green Network Providers, we’re committed to providing integrative and supportive care for people living with Lyme disease, mental health challenges, or both. Our services go beyond symptom management—we support the whole person.

Some of the ways we help include:

🌿 Cannabis Consultations – Personalized guidance for symptom relief using medical cannabis.

🧘 Mind-Body Therapies – Yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and mindfulness to reduce stress and foster emotional balance.

🌱 Herbal and Holistic Therapies – Gentle support for sleep, pain, and inflammation.

✨ Energy Healing – Reiki and chakra balancing to promote inner harmony and wellness.

💬 Compassionate Community – A safe space to share your story and connect with others on a similar journey.

Taking Charge of Your Healing Journey

Living with Lyme disease can feel overwhelming—but knowledge, connection, and empowerment are powerful antidotes. Here’s how you can take back control:

Build a support system: Surround yourself with people who understand and validate your experience.
Advocate for yourself: Learn all you can, speak up about your needs, and don’t settle for being dismissed.
Prioritize self-care: Your healing matters. Make time for the things that ground and replenish you.
Reach out for help: You don’t have to do this alone. There are people and resources ready to support you.

Green Network Providers: Your Partner in Wellness

Whether you’re navigating Lyme disease, battling burnout, or feeling the heavy weight of anxiety or chronic illness, Green Network Providers is here for you. We believe in the power of holistic, patient-centered care—care that honors your mind, body, and spirit.

This May, let’s spread awareness, amplify compassion, and reclaim hope.

📞 Contact us today to learn how we can support your wellness journey.

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