The month of October is a time to recognize and bring awareness to several causes. This month, we join national organizations in recognizing several initiatives listed below. With this page, we seek to share information, resources, and ways to connect to these movements and resources.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 1-7

In observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, this week we elevate and unify the messages from Mental Health America (MHA) and the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

• Free Mental Health Screening - MHA
• Mental Health Conditions - MHA
• Navigating Life With A Mental Health Condition - MHA

MHTTC Resources

• Experiential Ways to Build Up Your Mental Health and Resilience 
• Supporting Each Other and Ourselves: Mental Health Awareness and Promotion in the Wake of COVID-19
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Schools

National Depression Screening Day: October 5

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how someone feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. For more information on depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)'s health topic page or view their available brochures.

You can also take an online depression screening test through MHA. MHA's screening tools are free, anonymous, and confidential. Learn more here. 

World Mental Health Day: October 10

World Mental Health Day occurs every year on October 10. This day is centered around raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and improving mental health care to all populations. 

Learn more about World Mental Health Day from the World Federation of Mental Health.

ADHD Awareness Month 

Throughout October, our Network is disseminating information and digital shareables from the National Institute of Mental Health and amplifying the messaging from the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) for ADHD Awareness Month 2023 to reframe ADHD and discover new perspectives. The ADDA in collaboration with the ADHD Coalition developed the video series, New Perspectives on ADHD.

MHTTC Resources

• ADHD in African American Children and Youth
• Adult ADHD in the Black Community
  • Unmet Needs from Childhood through Adulthood
• Assessing and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Case Presentations: Anxiety and Complex ADHD
• Parenting Tips for ADHD: How to Unleash Your Child’s Superpowers
• Psychological Treatment of ADHD What Teachers Should Know about ADHD: Supporting Diverse Students & Families (Part 1) | (Part 2)
• What Teachers Should Know about ADHD: Supporting Diverse Students & Families | (Part 1) | (Part 2)

Health Literacy Month

Health Literacy Month is a time of international observance when hospitals, health centers, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, businesses, professional associations, government agencies, consumer alliances, and many other groups work collaboratively to integrate and expand the mission of health literacy. Our Network has compiled a list of mental health awareness and promotion resources that have been generated since the start of our grant in 2018.