Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
Visit SAMHSA.gov for further information.
Overall Theme
Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities.
The following key messages and weekly themes provide a foundation for developing messages and posts that resonate with your specific audiences throughout the month. Feel free to use these messages as well as the sample social media shareables in the toolkit.
Week 1: May 1-3
Supporting Older Adults’ Mental Health
This week focuses on supporting the mental health needs of older adults.
Key messages:
As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health.
- Life changes in older adults can impact mental health, but help is always available.
- Mental health conditions in older adults may present differently, such as through changes in interests or energy levels.
- Open conversations about mental health can encourage older adults to seek support.
- Mental health care can enhance quality of life, independence, and social connections.
- Spending time with older adults fosters meaningful connections and well-being.
Week 2: May 4-10
Building Strong Foundations for Children's Mental Health
This week highlights the importance of early mental health support, resilience, and self-care for children and teens.
Key messages:
Supportive families, communities, and resources help children lay the groundwork for lifelong well-being.
- Supportive families, schools, and communities help children and teens build strong mental health.
- Teaching coping skills early empowers young people to manage emotions and challenges.
- Recognizing early signs of mental health concerns can lead to timely support and positive outcomes.
- Open conversations about emotions help children develop resilience and feel safe seeking help.
- Regular physical activity can help improve children’s mental health and enhance their well-being.
- Many children face mental health challenges—early intervention and support can make a difference.
Week 3: May 11-17
Hope and Support for Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance
This week focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting recovery for people living with serious mental illness (SMI) or serious emotional disturbance (SED) and their families.
Key messages:
Support, understanding, and access to care help people with SMI or SED—and their families—pursue recovery and live meaningful lives.
- People younger than 18 who have mental health conditions that severely affect their ability to function in school, family, or within the community are described as having SED.
- Millions of people live with SMI or SED, but treatment and support can help them thrive.
- Early diagnosis and continuous support help people with SMI manage symptoms and live enjoyable, productive lives.
- People with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression can benefit from personalized care that helps them navigate challenges.
- Coordinated care and strong community connections improve quality of life for people with SMI or SED. There is hope—many people with SMI are living, working, and flourishing in recovery.
Week 4: May 18-24
The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health
This week explores how deeply connected mental and physical health are.
Key messages:
Mental and physical health are deeply connected—and integrated care for co-occurring conditions supports lifelong wellness.
- Mental and physical health are equally important—taking care of one supports the other.
- Depression and anxiety increase the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
- Regular activity, good nutrition, and quality sleep support both mental and physical well-being.
- Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions improves outcomes.
- Preventive care, strong support networks, and early intervention promote lifelong wellness.
Week 5: May 25-31
The Power of Community and Connection in Mental Health
This week focuses on the role of community, support networks, and recovery in promoting well-being.
Key messages:
Supportive relationships and connected communities foster a sense of belonging and promote mental well-being for all.
- Strong mental health is for everyone—and support should be available to all.
- Each person’s mental health journey is unique—a strong support system makes a difference.
- Prioritizing self-care and seeking support strengthen resilience and well-being.
- Social connection and community support play a vital role in mental health and recovery.
- Open conversations about mental health help break stigma and encourage people to seek support.
