Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? One in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, but less than half get treatment. During the month of May, we raise awareness that those facing mental health concerns are not alone and there is no stigma associated with seeking help. 

Here’s a calendar of events to help promote mental health this month: 

May 2–8: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 

Join the National Federation of Families for variety of programs throughout the week that focus on mental health and children. 

May 5: Maternal Mental Health Day 

As many as 1 in 5 women worldwide experience some type of postpartum mood or anxiety disorder. Perinatal mood disorders impact the entire family. Learn more and sign the petition for official recognition.  

May 6: 4th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium 

Join this free, virtual event to learn more about how to support the mental health of older adults. 

May 9–15: National Prevention Week 

Make substance abuse prevention a priority this week! SAMHSA offers a list of community activities you can plan as well as a helpful webinar series archive and promotional information you can use to get your community involved! 

May 20: Mental Health Action Day 

A coalition of organizations and leaders are joining together to encourage people to act in ways that encourage mental health—no matter what that means to you. 

May 22: NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope 

Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for a walk in your area. Even if you don’t live near a community sponsoring a walk, you can take part in their virtual event or join in their livestream! 

Need more ideas?  

Mental Health America provides a downloadable toolkit with ideas for outreach activities, fact sheets, posters, and more! NAMI also offers a guide to help you generate ideas—whether you are an individual looking to further the conversation about what mental health means to you or you are an organization trying to encourage a stigma-free workplace.