Mental Health Awareness Month: Get Involved

Every May, the world comes together to shine a light on something many people live with but few talk about openly—mental health. While we’ve come a long way in understanding the importance of emotional well-being, there’s still a lot of work to do when it comes to fighting stigma, spreading awareness, and making mental health care accessible for everyone.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 is not just a time to talk about anxiety, depression, or trauma—it's a time to take action, show support, and remind ourselves (and others) that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Let’s explore what this month is all about, why it matters, and how you can make a difference.

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed every May in the United States since 1949, led by Mental Health America (MHA). Its purpose is to:

• Educate the public about mental health conditions

• Advocate for policies that support mental well-being

• Provide resources for those struggling

• Encourage open, judgment-free conversations about mental health.

Each year, there's a different theme that focuses on a specific aspect of mental health. In 2025, the theme is "Reclaim Your Peace", highlighting the importance of boundaries, healing, and emotional regulation in a chaotic world.

Why Mental Health Awareness Still Matters

Despite progress in mental health conversations, stigma and misunderstanding still exist. Many people:

• Struggle in silence due to shame or fear

• Lack of access to quality mental health care

• Feel misunderstood or judged when seeking support

Raising awareness helps normalize the reality that mental health struggles are common, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Here are some eye-opening stats:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year

• Nearly 50% of teens report feeling persistently sad or hopeless

• Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among people aged 15–29

Mental health awareness can save lives—and that’s why this month is so important.

How to Get Involved in Mental Health Awareness Month

You don’t have to be a therapist, activist, or mental health professional to make a difference. Here are simple and impactful ways to participate this May:

1. Educate Yourself

Read about different mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or ADHD. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you better support yourself and others.

2. Use Your Voice

Use social media to share facts, destigmatizing messages, or your own mental health story. Add hashtags like #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, #EndTheStigma, or #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay.

3. Check In on Others

Sometimes a simple “how are you really doing?” can open the door for someone who’s struggling. Be a safe space for your friends, family, or coworkers.

4. Support Mental Health Organizations

Donate to or volunteer with nonprofits like:

• Mental Health America (MHA)

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• The Trevor Project

• Crisis Text Line

5. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Awareness starts with you. Prioritize your peace this month:

• Set boundaries

• Take breaks from screens

• Start therapy or journaling

• Meditate, exercise, or simply rest

Mental health affects everything—how we think, feel, act, handle stress, and connect with others. Whether you’re living with a mental health condition or supporting someone who is, know that you are not alone.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, help is available, and hope is real. When we come together, share our stories, and hold space for one another, we can break down the walls of stigma and create a more compassionate world.

Mental health isn’t a trend or a buzzword—it’s part of being human. This May, let’s commit to talking about it, learning about it, and caring about it.

If you’re struggling, please remember: you matter, your feelings are valid, and help is out there. Let this month be the start of something healing, whether for you or someone you love.