Mental Health Awareness Month is here! The goal of this month-long campaign is to educate people about mental health issues and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. There are many ways that you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month 2022. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about Mental Health Awareness Month, including how to participate and raise awareness.
About Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in May of 1949. The Mental Health America organization was founded in 1909, and the month of May was chosen to raise awareness about mental illness because it is the anniversary of the organization’s founding. Mental Health America is a leading nonprofit dedicated to addressing mental health issues.
Participate In Mental Health Awareness Month
Spread Awareness With NAMI's "Together For Mental Health"
For 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI will amplify the message of “Together for Mental Health.” They will use this time to bring our voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care through NAMI’s blog, personal stories, videos, digital toolkits, social media engagements and national events.
Share awareness information, images and graphics for #MHAM throughout May.
Find a Local Walk or Event
There will be many events in the mental health community nationwide during the month of May. For instance, in Central Park the 2022 Sound Mind Music Festival will be held on May 21 with proceeds supporting free mental health programs of NAMI and local affiliates.
Invest in Your Own Mental Health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, commit to taking care of your own mental wellness. Check in with yourself regularly and be honest about how you’re really doing. If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional or support groups to seek treatment.
You should also take this time to create some good self care habits. For example, you could get active, journal, try mindfulness practices, try making healthy food choices or connect with nature. Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time for adding self care habits!
Do Some Personal Research Into the Mental Health Movement
There are some many resources beyond social media on mental health topics as well as specific mental illnesses. Like to listen? Read our blog post on mental health podcasts. Otherwise, you can pick up a book. Radical Compassion by Tara Brach goes over the concept of RAIN: recognize, allow, investigate, nurture. It provides a lot of insight on establishing self love and letting go of negative emotions towards yourself.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to start getting involved in the mental health movement. Use this month as an opportunity to learn more about mental health, how you can take care of your own mental health and how you can support others. Remember, we are all in this together!
How will you be getting involved in Mental Health Awareness Month? Let us know in the comments below.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/seven, free, and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. 988 is the new Lifeline number. You can also call the Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Other websites with mental health resources:
- NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org)
- SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (samhsa.gov)
- The Trevor Project: leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 (thetrevorproject.org)
- National Eating Disorders Association: leading national nonprofit organization working to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders (nationaleatingdisorders.org)
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research (adaa.org)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: leading national nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide (afsp.org)
- National Institute of Mental Health: federal agency that conducts and supports research on mental disorders (nimh.nih.gov)
join the conversation
Am so impressed its agood movement also joining to create awareness to break the stigma.
Am so impressed its agood movement also joining to create awareness to break the stigma.
Mental health is key
In my place mental health is not taken as a serious problem awareness is very important
Mental health issues is very important and should campaign more