Mental Health Awareness Month: 8 Ways to Participate

June 20, 2025

Ways To Participate: Mental Health Awareness Month

Content warning

Please be advised, the below article might mention substance use-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support is available 24/7.

Every spring, federal leaders, individuals, and organizations across the United States recognize various observances related to mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes additional observances such as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 7–13, 2023) and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9.

The core purpose of these observances is to spread awareness about mental health topics to decrease stigma and equip the general public with helpful and potentially life-saving information and resources. If you’re interested in participating in Mental Health Awareness Month this May, read on for suggestions on how you might do so.

Meaningful Ways to Engage with Mental Health Awareness Month

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five US adults currently lives with a mental health condition. The NIMH also reports that only around half of these individuals will seek professional care for their symptoms. In addition, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, stated in an advisory regarding youth mental health that “one in three high school students and half of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.” These statistics illustrate the critical importance of increasing awareness of mental health challenges and their impact on Americans’ lives and communities worldwide.

Many barriers prevent people from seeking care, including stigma, lack of awareness of warning signs, and limited access to resources. This May, consider participating in the following activities to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

1. Expand your mental health knowledge

Many of us weren’t taught about mental and behavioral health or self-care during our formative years. Taking time to learn about these topics can be empowering and enlightening. Consider exploring common mental health conditions and their warning signs, discovering ways to incorporate self-care into your routine, or learning how to support a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. Here are some reputable sources to begin your educational journey:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Mental Health
American Psychological Association (APA)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

If you’re experiencing a crisis, remember that the 988 Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by simply dialing 988 for immediate emotional support.

2. Complete a mental health self-assessment

While only qualified mental health professionals can provide clinical diagnoses, online screenings can help you identify potential symptoms and determine if professional support might be beneficial. Mental Health America offers free screening tools for conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, ADHD, and eating disorders. If your results suggest you might be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, consider connecting with a licensed professional for proper evaluation and treatment options.

3. Establish a personalized self-care practice

Just as physical health benefits from regular exercise and proper nutrition, our mental health thrives with intentional care and attention. The mind-body connection is powerful—research consistently shows that physical activities like regular exercise promote both physical and mental wellbeing.

Mental health self-care looks different for everyone. You might find that limiting social media exposure reduces anxiety, while someone else might benefit more from practicing gratitude or journaling. This May, experiment with different self-care activities to discover what brings you the most peace and emotional balance, then incorporate these practices into your regular routine.

4. Explore meditation and mindfulness

Meditation, with its ancient roots in Indian spiritual and cultural traditions, has gained global recognition for its evidence-based health benefits. Research compiled by the American Psychological Association indicates that regular meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while potentially supporting those facing addiction challenges.

Mental Health Awareness Month provides the perfect opportunity to explore meditation through free online videos, mobile apps, or local classes. Even a few minutes of daily mindfulness practice can yield significant mental health benefits over time.

5. Strengthen your community connections

Strong social connections and community support significantly impact individual mental health. This May, make a conscious effort to check in with friends, family members, and neighbors. A simple text message, phone call, or coffee invitation can open the door to meaningful conversations about wellbeing.

Pay special attention to those who might be experiencing isolation or have previously faced mental health challenges. Sometimes people struggle to ask for help, but your direct, compassionate inquiry might provide them the opportunity to share their experiences and accept support.

6. Share your mental health journey

One of the most powerful ways to combat stigma is through personal storytelling. If you’ve faced mental health challenges and feel comfortable sharing your experiences, consider opening up to friends, posting thoughtfully on social media, or submitting your story to organizations like NAMI.

Personal narratives humanize mental health statistics and show others they aren’t alone in their struggles. Your story might inspire someone else to seek the help they need or to view their own challenges with greater compassion.

7. Support mental health organizations

Numerous organizations work tirelessly to improve mental health access, education, and treatment options. Consider supporting these efforts through:

Volunteering with local mental health nonprofits
Making donations to organizations that align with your values
Participating in awareness walks or fundraising events
Advocating for mental health policy improvements
Sharing resources from these organizations on social media

Your involvement, whether through time, financial support, or advocacy, helps strengthen the mental health support infrastructure in your community.

8. Connect with a telehealth therapist

Perhaps the most direct way to honor Mental Health Awareness Month is by prioritizing your own mental wellbeing through professional support. Whether you’re experiencing specific symptoms or simply want to enhance your emotional resilience, connecting with a mental health professional can be transformative.

Telehealth therapy through platforms like ReachLink offers a convenient, accessible option for those who find traditional in-person therapy intimidating or impractical. Research confirms that telehealth therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many conditions. With ReachLink, you can connect with licensed professionals through secure video sessions, addressing your specific needs from the comfort of your own space.

Our platform matches you with therapists specializing in your areas of concern, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or simply seeking personal growth. The flexibility of telehealth removes many traditional barriers to care, making mental health support more accessible than ever before.

Embrace Mental Health Awareness Month with intention and compassion. Whether you’re expanding your knowledge, practicing self-care, strengthening community ties, or seeking professional support, each step contributes to a broader culture of understanding and acceptance.

Remember, mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing, and prioritizing it benefits not only individuals but also families, workplaces, and communities. By participating actively this May—and beyond—you help break down barriers and promote a future where mental health support is accessible, stigma-free, and valued.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Take the opportunity this Mental Health Awareness Month to advocate for change, foster connections, and nurture your mental health with care and kindness.