Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

In the United States, more than one in five adults live with a mental illness. With proper support, these individuals can recover from their illnesses and build healthy, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, many of them don’t seek support due to stigma. 

You can help reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care by participating in Mental Health Awareness Month.

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month (also known as Mental Health Month) is an annual public health campaign that takes place during the month of May. 

It raises awareness of the importance of mental health, educates people about mental health conditions, and celebrates recovery from those conditions. It also aims to decrease stigma surrounding mental illness.

Decreasing Stigma 

Stigma refers to negative attitudes toward an illness or other personal quality. 

Due to a fear of stigma, many people avoid talking about or seeking treatment for their mental health conditions. When we work together to fight stigma, we make it easier for people to seek support and strengthen their mental well-being. 

The History Of Mental Health Awareness Month

Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month began as Mental Health Awareness Week. 

It was created by a nonprofit organization called Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and the National Mental Health Association). 

American author Clifford Whittingham Beers founded this organization after spending time in a mental institution for depression and paranoia. He and his colleagues worked to highlight the abuse endured by mentally ill patients and reform the field of mental health treatment.

Since then, many other organizations have joined Mental Health America to take part in the campaign, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

Themes For 2023

Every year, Mental Health America announces a theme for the campaign. 

This year, the theme is “Look Around, Look Within.” It encourages people to consider how their environment impacts their mental wellness. 

NAMI also introduces its own themes for each year’s campaign. The 2023 theme is “More Than Enough.” It emphasizes how everyone has inherent value no matter their struggles. 

You can take part in Mental Health Awareness Month as an individual, organization, or business.

How Individuals Can Participate In Mental Health Awareness Month

As an individual, the easiest way to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month is to share your own mental health journey. 

Post On Social Media

Discuss your experiences in-person, or post about them on social media using the hashtag #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. By sharing your story, you can inspire others to do the same and help end the shame surrounding mental health struggles.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your experiences yet, post about other mental health topics, such as the importance of self-care or the link between mental illness and substance misuse. 

Share Online Screening Tools & Emergency Services

You could also share links to Mental Health America’s online screening tools. These simple tests can help people determine if they are experiencing a mental health condition. 

It’s also a good idea to post about emergency mental health services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line, which you can reach by texting HOME to 741-741. These free, confidential helplines offer 24/7 support to people experiencing mental health crises.

Start A Fundraiser

Along with posting about mental health on social media, you could start a fundraiser for Mental Health America, NAMI, or a similar organization. 

Talk To Your Employer

You could also talk to your employer about the importance of mental health in the workplace. Discuss potential ways to improve each employee’s mental wellness, such as:

• hosting a mental health campaign in May
• sharing information on mental health in company-wide communications
• inviting a mental health speaker to the company

Contact Local Officials

Finally, consider contacting your elected officials to explain why they should prioritize mental health. This type of advocacy can make a big difference in the wellness of your community.

How Organizations Can Participate In Mental Health Awareness Month

Organizations can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month by:

• hosting a mental health screening or awareness event at a local venue
• partnering with local mental health organizations to host a community meet-and-greet
• organizing a community run or walk focused on mental health awareness
• planning an advocacy event at your state capitol

How Businesses Can Participate In Mental Health Awareness Month

Businesses can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month by:

• sharing mental health resources, such as an employee assistance program, in your company newsletter
• planning wellness events
• inviting a mental health speaker to the company
• encouraging workers to take online mental health screenings
• posting about Mental Health Awareness Month on the company’s social media pages
• posting a blog about how the company supports employee mental health

For more ideas on how to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month, download the official Mental Health Month Toolkit.

Mental Health & Substance Misuse

Poor mental health often leads to substance misuse.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance misuse or addiction, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. 

Our compassionate healthcare providers offer medical detox, mental health counseling, and other evidence-based treatments to help you or your loved one thrive.