Each May, the National Council and our 3,100+ member organizations take part in a national movement to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing – Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout the year, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental health and substance use challenges. Help us spread the word through awareness, support and advocacy. Join your voice with ours and the millions of Americans who are dedicated to the same North Star – recovery. We offer the following resources:
Facts & Figures
Here is some helpful information about mental health and substance use in America:
- 1 in 5 adults (52.9 million adults) in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2020.
- 40.3 million people aged 12 or over had a substance use disorder in 2020.
- 32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020.
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
- 1 in 3 young adults (aged 18-25) in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2020.
- 1 in 6 adolescents (aged 12-17) in the U.S. experienced a major depressive episode in 2020.
- 54% of adults with mental illness did not receive treatment in 2020.
- The average delay between symptom onset and treatment for mental illness is 11 years.
- 22.3 million Americans live in recovery after some form of substance use disorder.
- 3 out of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover.
Observance Graphics
Want to show your support? Download our graphics!
Social Media Messaging
Feel free to use this messaging across your social media channels:
- May is #MentalHealthMonth! Use a GIF to tell us how you take care of your mental health.
- This #MentalHealthMonth, I promise to: (Describe one thing you will do for your mental health).
- May is #MentalHealthMonth! We’ve all been through a lot lately. As we persevere, let’s find joy in making our mental health a priority. What makes you happy?
- Prioritize your mental health during #MentalHealthMonth by taking a few minutes each day for yourself – a 5-minute meditation or walk around the block.
- #MentalHealthMonth impacts everyone. Here are a few ways you can support mental health equity in the workplace from @mhfirstaidusa: https://bit.ly/3Ozt531
- Commit to action during #MentalHealthMonth by joining us for #HillDayAtHome on June 8! Raise your voice, connect with peers and advocate for the key issues: https://bit.ly/3v3frxf
- This #MentalHealthMonth, let’s take action! Recognize #MentalHealthActionDay on May 19 with @MTV or take a @mentalhealthfirstaidusa course to learn how to help others in need.
Mental Wellbeing Resources
Publications available to you:
- The Comprehensive Healthcare Integration Framework
- 988 Playbook for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Providers
Explore the following resources available to you:
- Mental Health First Aid – Get trained today!
- Mental Health First Aid Blog – Learn how to stay healthy and help others
- BH365 Blog – Get the latest thought leadership, tips and best practices
- National Council Virtual Learning – Enjoy new episodes in our video series
- YouTube – Watch our videos to learn more about mental health
- Upcoming events – Learn from our subject matter experts
- Consulting – Learn how to invest in your employees’ wellbeing
- Interest Groups – Discover new interventions for select communities
Take action in support of mental health and substance use policy:
- Hill Day at Home 2022 – Join us virtually on Wednesday, June 8, to experience an afternoon of advocacy, gain insight into Congress and the Biden Administrations’ mental health and substance use agendas, and discover new tips and techniques for educating your elected officials about the needs of our field
- Be an Advocate – Urge your elected officials to bolster support for mental health and substance use programs and organizations
- Advocacy Handbook – Take advantage of these tips, techniques and templates for becoming a mental health and substance use treatment advocate in your community
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) – Learn about CCBHCs and their role in expanding access to mental health and substance use services
Follow us on social media to stay informed:
- Twitter: @NationalCouncil
- Facebook: @TheNationalCouncil
- Instagram: @nationalcouncil
- LinkedIn: National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health First Aid Resources
Learn how you can help yourself and someone in need:
- National Prevention Week: A Resource Guide
- How and Why to Practice Self-care
- Taking Care of Yourself and Others When It’s All Bad News (or Seems Like It)
- Five Tips to Turn Around a Stressful Day
Check out our latest blog posts for mental health tips and resources:
- Use Person-first Language to Reduce Stigma
- Black Mental Health Matters: A Resource Guide
- How to Support Military Members and Veterans During COVID-19
Here are a few youth- and teen-related resources:
- Talking to Your Teen About Mental Health
- Helping Your Friend Connect with a Trusted Adult
- Tips to Help Teens Cope During COVID-19
- How to Help a Friend Who is Being Bullied
- tMHFA Taught Me How to Take Care of My Own Mental Health
Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates:
Other Resources
Here are some additional resources you can use this month:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Observance resources
- Mental Health America – Download the 2022 Mental Health Month toolkit
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Learn how to #BreakTheStigma
- Youth.Gov – Learn more about youth mental wellbeing