Mental Health Awareness Month takes place throughout the month of May.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 with the goal to promote mental well-being and increase awareness of mental illness and disabilities.
Also taking place during the month of May is National Prevention Week from May 7-13. SAMHSA provides a multitude of resources for this week as well, offering promotional materials, webinars, and other fundraising options.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, contact the helpline provided by SAMHSA or the 988 suicide crisis hotline.
How Does Mental Health Awareness Month Help?
By raising awareness of the importance of mental health care, the month helps promote outreach for adult and children’s mental health considerations.
Awareness events allow those unfamiliar with the topic of mental illness to learn more from others who are sharing information about their experiences, whether it be through webinars or at a local event.
How Can I Get Involved With Mental Health Month?
You can find numerous mental wellness advocacy options and initiatives to take part in throughout the month of May, 2023.
Use The SAMHSA Toolkit
SAMHSA provides a toolkit to help share weekly information throughout the month. For instance, during May 1-7, focus is placed on spreading support while the week of May 8-14 focuses on self-care strategies for those struggling with mental health.
For week 3 (May 15-21), promoting acceptance and compassion is prioritized. May 22-28 helps provide resources for you to help take care of those struggling with a mental health disorder as well as ways to improve self-esteem in those with a mental illness.
From May 29-31, focus is placed on hope and moving forward with newfound knowledge of mental struggles.
Show Your Support Online
You can show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing information online. SAMHSA offers social media downloads and pre-written posts and tweets which allow you to easily and quickly share information on various apps.
By sharing information, or even discussing your own struggles with mental illness, you can help others who suffer in silence find the strength to seek help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the hashtag #MoreThanEnough can be used on social media to promote the month and highlight mental health issues.
Attend An Event
You can attend in-person events offered by NAMI. You can utilize the website by searching for local events or walks for suicide prevention.
For those interested in attending the NAMI convention (NAMICon), you can register now for online options via zoom or attend the event located at the Minneapolis Convention Center which takes place during May 24 – 27.
Other Important Mental Health Dates To Know
In addition to Mental Health Awareness Month, there are countless dates throughout the year in which focus is placed on substance abuse and mental health conditions. You can participate in any of these events to help continue to shed light on self-care and suicide prevention.
Some of the other events which take place throughout the year include:
- Suicide Prevention Month
- World Mental Health Day
- Mental Illness Awareness Week
- Mental Illness Awareness Day
May is not the only month in which mental health is important.
If you care about mental health causes, consider taking part in fundraising events and nonprofit organizations to help promote mental wellness and highlight the struggles those with mental health disorders face on a daily basis.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Treatment
If you or your loved one live with a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder, contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. We provide a wide-range of behavioral health options in an outpatient setting.
To learn more about the services we provide, please contact us today.
People Also Read:
Sources
National Alliance on Mental Illness — Mental Health Awareness Month
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Mental Health Awareness Month
