Mental Health America declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 to spread awareness about mental health and reduce stigma around mental illness and substance use so that individuals feel more comfortable reaching out for help, finding information about mental illness and finding the right treatment. Fighting stigma can seem like a hefty task, so MHAMD pulled together a list of ways that you can spread awareness among people you know, show support for your friends and family, and contribute to the effort to end stigma. And, what better time to help than during Mental Health Awareness Month? These are a few ways that you can spread awareness this month.
Learn more about mental health with online resources during Mental Health Awareness Month
Online resources are a great way to easily share information about how to spot potential mental health issues arising in people you know and learn about how many people live with mental health conditions. Here’s a round-up of useful resources that can be found online:
- This year’s Mental Health Month theme, Risky Business, explores habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. Topics include risky sex, prescription drug misuse and internet addiction. You can order copies of these fact sheets on MHAMD’s publications form or on our downloadable publications page.
- The Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center shares information about dealing with topics ranging from what to do if someone you know may be having suicidal thoughts to tips for managing your own stress and anxiety. The Jed Foundation focuses on mental health awareness among teens and young adults.
- Healthy New Moms offers resources for pregnant women and new moms to learn more about postpartum mood and anxiety disorder and where to find help. Order hard-copy resources or download at healthynewmoms.org.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Fact Sheet Library covers a range of mental health topics on one page.
- The Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign, co-coordinated by MHAMD and the Maryland Coalition of Families, offers numerous resources for families and educators to help address potential mental health issues arising in children and teens.
- MHAMD offers a free, anonymous and confidential mental health screening for individuals who are concerned that they may be experiencing mental health complications. Brief screenings are a quick way to determine whether you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional.
Take action on mental health advocacy issues and current legislation
Awareness helps end the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders, but it also helps to influence the public policies surrounding access to care for individuals experiencing mental health disorders. Find advocacy networks that you can join now to stay up to day on current state and federal legislation and ways you can let your representatives know your opinion. MHAMD’s Legislative Network will keep you involved in all the mental health policy developments happening in Annapolis during the legislative session.
Connect with us on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for getting information out there to a larger audience. MHAMD and Mental Health America have Mental Health Awareness month graphics that you can easily share on your social media profiles. And, follow and like our social media profiles for new information!
Here are some shareable graphics you can use this month:
- Facebook Profile Picture MHA – Mental Health Month
- Facebook Cover Photo MHA – Mental Health Month
- Twitter Profile Picture MHA – Mental Health Month
- Twitter Cover Photo MHA – Mental Health Month
- Prevalence MHAMD Shareable Statistic
- Depression MHAMD Shareable Statistic
- Anxiety MHAMD Shareable Statistic
- PTSD MHAMD Shareable Statistic
Become a member of MHAMD
When you become a member of MHAMD, you create opportunities for individuals to learn how mental illness affects their neighbors, family members and friends. And, you create ways for people to find resources and help when they most need it. Join MHAMD during Mental Health Awareness Month to show your support for the one in five living with mental health and substance use problems.
Start conversations
Making others comfortable with talking about their mental health experiences creates a more accepting and inclusive environment that encourages people to ask for the help they may need. If you know someone who you think may be struggling, make it a point to offer your support if they want to share.