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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every year since it was founded in 1949 by Mental Health America, previously known as the National Association for Mental Health. This nationwide awareness program encourages open dialogue, education and advocacy to highlight the importance of mental well-being. It also acts as a reminder to check in with ourselves and others. It helps us recognize mental health as an essential part of overall health and break down stigmas to ensure no one feels they must struggle in silence.
The Purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month
The primary purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to draw attention to mental health issues and how key mental well-being is. It’s used to educate the public and advocate for policies to support individuals with mental health conditions.
Beyond raising awareness, the month emphasizes the importance of early intervention and access to care. By highlighting resources and support systems available to individuals and families, Mental Health Awareness Month strives to connect those in need with appropriate services, ultimately contributing to better mental health outcomes.
Another primary purpose is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Encouraging open conversations and sharing personal stories makes it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. Dedicating an entire month to mental health may also serve as a spark to prioritize its importance.
Key Themes and Focus Areas for 2025
Each year, leading mental health organizations introduce themes and focus areas to guide Mental Health Awareness Month. These themes help shape conversations, unify advocacy efforts and provide direction for local campaigns and educational initiatives. By spotlighting specific issues, such as youth mental health, access to care or the power of personal stories, organizations can target awareness where it’s needed most.
Themes also help individuals and groups find meaningful ways to participate, whether by sharing their experiences, supporting policy changes or promoting mental wellness in their communities. Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 centers around themes introduced by leading organizations in the field, including Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mental Health America: “Turn Awareness into Action”
MHA’s 2025 theme emphasizes moving beyond understanding mental health issues to implementing tangible steps to foster well-being and support. This initiative encourages individuals and communities to actively engage in practices promoting mental well-being, such as seeking help when needed, supporting others and advocating for systemic changes to improve access to mental health care. Get MHA’s 2025 planning guide for innovative outreach ideas, communication templates, activity examples and partnership opportunities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: “In Every Story, There’s Strength”
NAMI’s theme for 2025 highlights the power of personal narratives in the mental health journey. By sharing diverse experiences, individuals can find common ground, reduce stigmas and inspire resilience within the community. This focus area highlights the importance of storytelling as a tool for connection and understanding in mental health advocacy. You can submit video or written stories on its website.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA offered a comprehensive 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit but hasn’t yet released anything for 2025. The featured weekly themes of the previous year’s toolkit can still be useful, including:
- Week 1. Supporting the unique mental health needs of older adults
- Week 2. Helping children and teens build resilience, self-care strategies and skills for managing life stressors in healthy ways
- Week 3. Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health among pregnant and postpartum individuals
- Week 4. Acknowledging unique challenges, strengths and contexts affecting mental health in racial and ethnic minority groups
- Week 5. Building support for mental well-being in the LGBTQIA+ community
How to Participate and Raise Awareness
May is Mental Health Month, but raising awareness for mental health doesn’t have to be limited to just one month. It’s something anyone can do anytime. Start by having open, judgment-free conversations about mental well-being with friends, family members and coworkers. Share educational resources on social media, wear a green ribbon to show support or participate in community events promoting mental health.
Other ways you can participate and raise awareness include:
- Educate yourself. Learn about different mental health conditions, the importance of seeking help and available resources.
- Practice self-care. Engage in activities to promote well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies.
- Take an online mental health screening. Many websites offer free, confidential mental health screenings to help assess your needs.
- Check on others. Reach out to friends, family and coworkers to see how they’re doing and offer support.
- Share your story. If you’re comfortable, sharing your experiences about mental health issues can help reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
- Support mental health organizations. Donate to or volunteer with local or national organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy.
Whether big or small, every action helps break stigmas and build a culture of compassion and understanding.
Resources for Mental Health Support
Knowing where to turn for help is an essential part of supporting your own mental health or someone else’s. Many trusted resources are available year-round to provide education, crisis support and guidance.
Resources to Share
- Mental Health America. Offers free screening tools, educational materials and advocacy opportunities.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Provides support groups, helplines and peer-led programs across the country.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Offers access to free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors anytime by calling or texting 988.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline. Provides a 24-7 treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges.
These resources are just a starting point. Whether you’re looking for information, someone to talk to or a path toward healing, help is always within reach.
Get Mental Health Support From FHE Health
It’s estimated that 1 in 4 American adults aged 18 or older has a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD or another mental health condition, FHE Health provides evidence-based treatment in safe residential settings or through outpatient care. Our programs combine clinical resources such as behavioral therapy with holistic options such as massage to create a comprehensive plan to help you reclaim your mental wellness. Contact us to begin your healing journey today.
