One of my favorite months of the year is right around the corner: it’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated each May in the United States, is a month to raise awareness and share resources about mental health. It is a time to educate the public and shed light on the mental health challenges people face every day. Together, we are reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, suicide, and mental health challenges. To kick off this month, I wanted to highlight some campaigns to follow. However you get involved, I hope each of us can raise awareness and hope when it comes to mental health.
Mental Health America – “Where to Start”
Mental Health America, the organization that started Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949, is using the theme of “Where to start” this year. According to Wikipedia:
“The Where to Start theme was chosen for 2024, with the goal ‘For anyone struggling with the pressure of today’s world, feeling alone or wondering if they can feel better, this is Where to Start.’
MHA also offers a mental health toolkit for people who would like to get more involved in the conversation, but don’t quite know how to start (There is also a Spanish version on their website.).
One of the most overwhelming aspects of mental health issues is getting help. Mental health is a broad and varied topic, interconnected with many other areas of our lives. Many people don’t even know where to start getting help, and that’s why they never do. This campaign serves as a reminder that there are places to go when you don’t know where to go. There is always a place to start and this is a good way to do it.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Seize the Moment”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has titled its campaign Mental Health Awareness Month. “Take the moment.” This campaign encourages people to start conversations and maintain open dialogues. By sharing the wealth of resources on offer, people can find what works for them when it comes to mental wellbeing.
We are each on our own journey, and finding what works for each individual makes this point clear. When our dialogue about mental health is based on empathy and understanding, it is easier to see a way forward.
SAMHSA – Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit
SAMHSA, or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is an organization that works to highlight the connections between substance abuse and mental health. This month they have prepared a mental health toolkit as a sort of “one-stop shop” for sharing mental health information and resources. This includes social media posts, graphics, and best practices for having healthy discussions about mental health. You can find the toolkit at SAMHSA websitethat actions and publication suggestions throughout the entire month.
This month on My Brain’s Not Broken
As I like to do every May, this blog will be a place to share resources and information about mental health. In the 7+ years I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve seen a lot of growth and improvement in the way we talk about mental health. But with everything going on in the world today, it’s more important than ever to be in control. Control ourselves and our loved ones. Consult with our communities and our local leaders. See who is making mental health a priority and who might need a gentle nudge in that direction.
Whether we recognize it or not, mental health affects us all. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to highlight this fact, to learn how to live a happy life. and healthy way. Sending positive thoughts and vibes to everyone as we continue to reduce the stigma!
