May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Here’s how to celebrate it

May 1st marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, a 31-day period during which every American is encouraged to put their mental health needs first. It’s also a time when dedicated mental health professionals are recognized for their efforts in offering compassionate care. 

Mental Health Awareness Month presents the perfect opportunity for each of us to shake free of misconceptions—and for people from all walks of life to embrace and appreciate the need for mental health care. 

What’s the Focus of This Year’s Mental Health Awareness Month?

May is known as Mental Health Month (also referred to as Mental Health Awareness Month). This campaign of awareness started in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization. 

The 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month campaign is going to be focused on how surroundings impact mental health. The campaign is calling for individuals “to look around, look within.” The Mental Health America website states that they will specifically address these topics:

• Safe and stable housing
• Healthy home environments
• Neighborhoods and towns
• The outdoors and nature

This month-long focus on the importance of mental well-being offers everyone the chance to better understand how our mental health affects every aspect of our lives—and the lives of others, too.

How Do We Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month?

There are many ways that individuals and organizations can participate in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are just a few examples of how to celebrate: 

• Events: Mental health organizations, hospitals, and mental health professionals often hold events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness about mental health issues.
• Campaigns: Mental health awareness campaigns are run by various organizations, social media platforms, and individuals to increase the visibility of mental health issues and promote self-care and mental health support.
• Fundraising: Mental health organizations often organize fundraising events to raise funds for research, treatment, and support programs.
• Public education: Mental health professionals and organizations often provide educational resources and public awareness campaigns to help people better understand mental illness and how to seek help.

If your school, university, interest group, or employer isn’t recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, they may not be aware that May is the month to do so. You can inquire with your HR department, coworkers, or student services center, explain the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, and suggest that they participate. 

Which Organizations Are Participating in Mental Health Awareness Month? 

There are many organizations that participate in Mental Health Awareness Month. Some of these organizations include:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
2. Mental Health America (MHA)
3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
4. American Psychological Association (APA)
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
6. American Psychiatric Association (APA)
7. National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW)
8. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
9. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
10. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Here’s How to Use May to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and prioritizing it can have a positive impact on all areas of your life. By taking the time to care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of Mental Health Awareness Month:

• Take time for self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be anything from taking a walk in nature, practicing yoga or meditation, or indulging in your favorite hobbies. Whatever helps you feel better and more at ease, make sure to schedule time for it regularly.
• Check-in with yourself: Take time to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Ask yourself questions like: How am I feeling today? What are the things that are stressing me out? What can I do to feel better? Pay attention to your inner dialogue and challenge any negative thoughts that might be holding you back.
• Talk to someone: Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or consider seeking professional help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can help you feel less alone and can provide valuable support.
• Educate yourself: Use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to learn more about mental health and the resources available to you. There are many excellent books, podcasts, and online resources available that can help you gain a better understanding of your mental health and how to take care of yourself.
• Take action: Use this month as a catalyst to take action toward improving your mental health. Whether that means scheduling an appointment with a therapist, joining a support group, or simply committing to a daily self-care routine, take steps to prioritize your mental health this month and beyond.

After taking time to reflect, if any mental health concerns or conditions are causing you distress, a mental health professional can help. This month is about putting our mental well-being first—something we should be doing the other 11 months of the year, too.