May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting access to care. Observed since 1949, this observance encourages individuals, families, and communities to prioritize mental well-being and support those facing mental health challenges.​

What is mental health?

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the most commonly experienced form of mental illness among adults in the United States are anxiety disorders, followed by depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In all, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience mental illness each year.

Mental illness is not the result of one cause; instead, research suggests that genetics, environment, and lifestyle are all important for understanding one’s susceptibility to developing mental illness. For example, someone may have a family history of depression but not experience symptoms until they’re exposed to a chronically stressful environment or a traumatic event.

Key mental health statistics

As we observe Mental Health Month, it’s important to understand the current state of mental health in the United States. Recent data from 2023 and 2024 highlight significant challenges and disparities affecting both adults and youth nationwide.

These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness, accessible care, and supportive resources. As we continue to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to advocating for mental wellness and supporting those affected by mental health challenges.

The importance of Mental Health Month

Mental Health Awareness Month serves several important purposes:​

  • Reducing stigma: By fostering open conversations about mental health, we can challenge misconceptions and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.​

  • Promoting education: Awareness campaigns provide information about mental health conditions, their signs and symptoms, and available treatment options.​

  • Encouraging early intervention: Recognizing the early signs of mental health issues can lead to timely support and better outcomes.​

  • Advocating for access to care: Highlighting the importance of accessible mental health services can drive policy changes and resource allocation.

Signs of mental health issues

Recognizing the early signs of mental health conditions is crucial for timely intervention. Some common signs of mental illness or mental health issues include:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional mental health help.

How to support your loved ones during Mental Health Month

Mental Health Month is the perfect time to show your support to friends and family who may be struggling. Examples of ways to support your friends or family during Mental Health Month include:

  • Check in on your friends or family: A simple, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to connection and honest conversation. Make time for vulnerable, uninterrupted conversation.
  • Offer help without pressure: Whether it’s driving them to an appointment, bringing them dinner, helping with a daily chore, or researching therapists nearby, offer assistance while respecting their autonomy.
  • Listen without judgment: Resist the urge to fix things or give advice unless asked. Sometimes, being present is the most powerful support you can give.
  • Share resources: If your loved one is open to it, help find them tools like the Mental Health America screening tool or suggest finding a local therapist.
  • Encourage self-care activities you can do together: Invite your loved one to join you for a walk, mindfulness practice, or creative activity to support their mental wellness.

Having open conversations about mental health

One of the goals of Mental Health Month is to break the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. Despite growing awareness, many people continue to suffer in silence due to fear, shame, or misunderstanding. Here’s how to help shift the narrative:

  • Speak up: Share your own experiences (as you feel comfortable) to show others they’re not alone. Vulnerability can be powerful in creating safe spaces.
  • Normalize therapy: Talk openly about going to therapy or seeking help — just as you would about going to the doctor. This helps reinforce that mental healthcare is part of whole-body wellness.
  • Encourage questions: When people feel unsure how to approach the topic, let them know it’s okay to ask questions respectfully and with curiosity.
  • Use inclusive language: Advocate for language that supports rather than stigmatizes those living with mental illness.

Creative ways to promote mental wellness

Here are creative ways to support your own mental health or encourage others to do the same:

  • Start a gratitude journal: Take a photo of something you’re grateful for or simply write about it. Share your journey online to inspire others to notice the positives in their own lives.
  • Create a vision board: Use images and words that reflect how you want to feel — calm, energized, supported — and place the board where you’ll see it daily.
  • Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
  • Use art as expression: Whether it’s painting, writing poetry, or dancing, creative expression helps process emotions in a healthy and therapeutic way.
  • Build a mental health library: Put together a list of books, podcasts, or apps focused on emotional well-being and make them accessible to your family, workplace, or community.

Ways to raise awareness for Mental Health Month

Raising awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month in May doesn’t have to be limited to traditional methods. Creative approaches can reach new audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and help normalize mental health struggles. Here are some creative ways to raise awareness for Mental Health Month:

  • Host a “Wear Green Day”: Encourage your workplace, school, or community to wear green — the official color for mental health awareness. Use the opportunity to start conversations about what mental health means to each person.
  • Launch a storytelling campaign: Invite individuals to share personal stories of mental health on social media, in newsletters, or at in-person events. Use hashtags like #MentalHealthMonth, #BreakTheStigma, or #MHM2025.
  • Organize a mental health fair: Bring together local therapists, yoga instructors, mindfulness teachers, and community resources for a day of mental health education and support.
  • Use your platform: Whether it’s a business, blog, or social media channel, dedicate a series of posts throughout May that offer tips, facts, or lived experiences related to mental health.

Takeaway

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental well-being and to take action to support ourselves and others. By educating ourselves, reducing stigma, and advocating for accessible care, we can create a more supportive and understanding society. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.

If your experiencing symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, or difficulty managing life transitions — our network of online and in-person therapists are here to support you. Browse our network of mental health therapists and schedule your first appointment directly online.