Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to pause, reflect, and have honest conversations about something that affects every one of us—our mental well-being. Since its inception in 1949, this month has been dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, promoting awareness, and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. In 2025, this observance is more relevant than ever, as we face increasing stressors in a fast-paced, digitally driven, and often isolating world.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins and importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, what it means today, and how individuals, families, and communities can take part in fostering mental health for all.

The History of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was first established in the United States by Mental Health America (MHA)—originally known as the National Association for Mental Health. The organization launched the month-long observance to shine a light on mental health conditions and promote a better understanding of mental illness as something real, treatable, and deserving of attention, just like physical health.

Throughout the decades, this month has grown into a national movement. Campaigns have expanded to include mental health screenings, education on early warning signs, and resources for caregivers and families. Organizations, nonprofits, schools, and even corporations participate to promote well-being among their members.

Each year, MHA and other advocacy groups create themes to focus awareness on particular aspects of mental health, such as trauma, youth mental health, workplace stress, or access to care. This helps keep the conversation fresh, targeted, and relevant to current societal issues.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act—and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In other words, mental health is foundational to every aspect of our lives.

Yet despite how vital it is, mental health is still surrounded by stigma. Many people feel shame about experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Others fear being judged or misunderstood if they reach out for help. This stigma can lead to silence, suffering, and, in the worst cases, tragedy.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and 25–34.

These statistics are sobering, but they’re also a call to action. Mental Health Awareness Month offers a powerful opportunity to break the silence, normalize conversations around mental health, and encourage everyone to seek support—without fear or shame.

The State of Mental Health in 2025

The past few years have been marked by global uncertainty—pandemics, economic strain, political unrest, and a growing dependence on technology. These factors have taken a toll on our collective mental health. Reports have shown spikes in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and burnout across all age groups, but especially among young people.

In 2025, we are also confronting:

• Increased social media use, which contributes to anxiety, comparison, and cyberbullying.

• Workplace stress and burnout, particularly in industries like healthcare, education, and tech.

• Youth mental health crises, with rising rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation among teens.

• Disparities in access to care, especially among marginalized communities, rural populations, and people of color.

• Post-pandemic trauma and adjustment disorders, as many still struggle with loss, isolation, and rebuilding normalcy.

Despite these challenges, there’s also hope. Awareness is rising. Teletherapy has expanded access to care. Schools and workplaces are beginning to integrate mental wellness programs. And movements advocating for emotional resilience, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care are gaining traction.

What Mental Health Awareness Month Means Today

Mental Health Awareness Month today is more than an observance—it’s a movement. It’s a time to reflect, take action, and connect with others in ways that support emotional wellness. Here’s what it means in practical terms:

1. Educating Ourselves and Others

Understanding mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia is the first step in fighting stigma. Mental Health Awareness Month is a perfect time to read up on symptoms, watch documentaries, or attend educational events. Knowledge fosters empathy and empowers us to support those struggling.

2. Checking in on Ourselves

This month is also a chance to do a mental and emotional self-audit. Are you getting enough rest? Are you feeling isolated? Do you have healthy outlets for stress? Self-awareness is a crucial part of maintaining good mental health. Sometimes just acknowledging that you’re struggling is the first step toward getting better.

3. Opening Up the Conversation

One of the most powerful things we can do is talk openly about our mental health. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, family member, or therapist, being vulnerable reduces shame and encourages others to share too. Mental Health Awareness Month creates a culturally sanctioned time when these conversations feel more natural and accepted.

4. Supporting Others

Check in on people around you—friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. Small gestures of kindness and listening can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Knowing someone cares can be the lifeline someone needs.

5. Advocating for Systemic Change

Beyond individual actions, this month is also about pushing for broader societal changes. Mental health parity laws, insurance reform, funding for school counselors, better access to crisis care, and decriminalizing mental illness are just a few policy areas where advocacy is needed.

Ways to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month

Whether you’re an individual, a parent, a teacher, or a business leader, there are many ways to support mental health during May—and beyond.

1. Wear Green

Green is the official color of mental health awareness. Wearing green or lighting up landmarks in green shows solidarity and raises visibility.

2. Share Your Story

If you’ve experienced mental health challenges, consider sharing your journey on social media, in a blog, or with a trusted group. Your story can inspire others to seek help and feel less alone.

3. Host a Wellness Event

Organize a mental health workshop, mindfulness session, or community yoga class. Schools and workplaces can host seminars or invite guest speakers.

4. Support Mental Health Organizations

Donate to nonprofits like NAMI, Mental Health America, or local mental health clinics. Volunteering your time can also be incredibly impactful.

5. Encourage Mental Health Days

Encourage your school or workplace to implement mental health days—paid time off for emotional self-care without penalty or stigma.

Creating a Culture of Mental Wellness Year-Round

While May brings mental health to the forefront, the goal is to normalize these conversations all year. Mental health is not a one-month concern; it’s an ongoing journey.

Here’s how we can help keep the momentum going:

• Normalize therapy and counseling as a strength, not a weakness.

• Teach emotional intelligence in schools starting at a young age.

• Create safe spaces for people to share openly without fear of judgment.

• Practice daily self-care routines that support emotional balance—like journaling, meditation, or simply going outside.

• Speak up against stigma whenever you hear it—language matters.

A Message of Hope

If there’s one takeaway from Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s this: You are not alone.

Mental health challenges are part of being human. Whether you’re managing stress, dealing with loss, navigating a diagnosis, or supporting someone you love, know that there is help—and there is hope.

Therapy works. Support groups help. People care. You deserve to feel better, and recovery is possible.

Let this May be the month you take a step toward mental wellness—whether that’s reaching out for help, being there for someone else, or simply treating yourself with the kindness and compassion you deserve.