May is Mental Health Month!
Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. That is why in May, hundreds of organizations across the country are raising awareness of mental health. Inspire others to raise awareness and take part in sharing information, resources and support for mental health conditions.
National Organizations Offering Mental Health Month Activities and Resources:
- Mental Health America (MHA)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- National Council for Behavioral Health
- National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (NFFCMH)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
A special message from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Assistant Secretary for Mental Health Awareness Month and National Prevention Week can be accessed here.
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is May 3-9
This week seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and show that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development. One in five children struggle with mental illness but few receive treatment. Observing this day helps to end stigma and discrimination about mental health in children and youth. Below are resources related to children's mental health awareness.
- Office of Adolescent Health, Adolescent Mental Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health
- Youth.gov, Youth Mental Health
National Older Adults Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7
Suicide, depression, anxiety, and problems with alcohol and medications are issues that older adults face. It is especially important during this unprecedented time to promote connection and recovery for older adults with mental health concerns. Below are resources related to older adult mental health awareness.
National Prevention Week, May 10-16
National Prevention Week (NPW) is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders. Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) honors NPW with daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. The 2020 daily themes are:
- Monday, May 11: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse | Visit SAMHSA’s Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network
- Tuesday, May 12: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse | Download Talk. They Hear You.® mobile application
- Wednesday, May 13: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use | Download Tips for Teens: The Truth About Hallucinogens and Tips for Teens: The Truth About Stimulants
- Thursday, May 14: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-cigarettes and Vaping) | Download Substance Misuse Prevention for Young Adults guide
- Friday, May 15: Preventing Suicide | Visit SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center
For more information and access to SAMHSA's NPW events and resources, click here.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week, May 13-19
Schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, but the symptoms can be very disabling. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Symptoms usually start between ages 16 and 30. Learn more about schizophrenia from the National Institute of Mental Health.
May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. A licensed mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders can diagnose BPD. Learn more about signs, symptoms, and treatments for BPD from the National Institute of Mental Health.