What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental well-being, educate the public, reduce stigma and build support for those affected by mental health conditions. (National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2025)
Why is Mental Health Awareness Important?
Mental health awareness plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention and fostering empathy and understanding. By normalizing conversations around mental health, it nurtures a more compassionate society where individuals feel empowered to seek help, leading to improved mental wellbeing. Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disparity: (National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 2025)
What to Look For
• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually.
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults face serious mental illness each year.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, yet only half receive treatment.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Kids & Youth, When to Act
Research shows that identifying warning signs or symptoms and seeking treatment early can make a difference in reducing the impact of a mental health condition.
To be able to provide the best possible care for your children’s mental health, it is helpful to be aware of what to look for, when to worry and how to respond.
Children go through developmental phases that include changes in emotions, thoughts and behavior. Most of the time, these are typical periods in development, such as the “terrible twos” when children usually have trouble separating and experience “melt-downs,” which is a stark contrast to one year olds who are not as troubled by exploring their world.
When teenagers give you the cold shoulder, shut down or “snap” at you, they may be trying, as teens should, to become their own individuals. During this time, they’re developing their personal identities and breaking away from the family. Again, this is typical behavior. But when this type of situation persists or begins causing difficulty in their daily life, it may be a symptom of a mental health condition. This is the time to intervene.
Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. You play a role in your family’s mental health - regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2025)
Supporting Older Adults’ Mental Health
Here we highlight how to support the unique mental health needs of older adults.
Key messages:
As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health.
It’s never too late to get help.
It is important to remember that older adults may have different mental health symptoms. For example, a lack of interest in some activities.
Talking about mental health can help older adults feel more comfortable asking for support.
Mental health treatment can be part of a wellness program to help older adults live happy and fulfilling lives.
Mental health professionals can help older adults cope with life changes.
Friends and family can experience meaningful mutual connection by spending time visiting with older adults.
Mental health is important at every age. Spending time with friends and family can boost older adults’ mental and physical health.
Remember to age joyfully! Consider your passions and interests and pursue something that brings you happiness and fulfillment. Nurture your connections, join a social group, or consider volunteering to keep feeling active.
Building Strong Foundations for Children and TeenS’
Mental Health
The focus is on resources to help children and teens build resilience, self-care strategies, and skills for managing life stressors in healthy ways.
Key messages:
Supportive families, communities, and resources can help children and teens build strong foundations for lifelong well-being.
Supportive families, schools, and communities help children and teens develop good mental health and manage life stressors in healthy ways.
Teaching children and teens coping skills early empowers them to manage emotions and challenges, and take charge of their mental health.
Recognizing early signs of mental health concerns in children and teens, can lead to timely support and positive outcomes.
Open conversations about emotions help children and teens develop resilience and feel safe seeking help.
Regular physical activity can help improve children’s mental health and enhance their well-being.
Many children and teens face mental health challenges - early intervention and support can make a difference. Consistent and reassuring interactions positively impact a child’s or teen’s mental health. Be their support!
Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum WOMEN’S Mental Health
We focus on recognizing the importance of maternal mental health among pregnant and postpartum women.
Key messages:
Pregnancy and giving birth can be joyful and can also present a variety of strong emotions for pregnant and postpartum women.
Strong emotions may include feeling overwhelmed, scared, tired, worried, and inadequate. Depression, anxiety, and other symptoms during and after pregnancy are common and treatable. They affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level.
For many people, these feelings go away on their own, in time. But for some, these emotions are more serious and require assistance. Help is available. You are not alone. Asking for help can help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Unaddressed maternal health issues can lead to pregnancy-related death and unintentional harm to you or your baby.
Proper self-care and seeking help when you need it can help you maintain good mental health.
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be emotionally complex. Remember it’s okay to not feel okay, Mood swings, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed are all too common,
Supporting Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups’ Mental Health
Here the focus is on the unique challenges, strengths, and contexts that affect mental health in people from racial and ethnic minority groups.
Key messages:
Everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care.
Members of racial and ethnic minority groups experience challenges that may require unique mental health support.
Cultural differences should be respected and celebrated when providing mental health support.
Mental health care providers are encouraged to consider the cultural nuances and needs of the diverse communities they serve.
Addressing and reducing barriers to treatment are the first steps to building more equitable health systems.
Together, we can improve access to mental health care for people from racial and ethnic minority groups.
Mental health is for everyone, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Community’S Mental Health
This focuses on building support for mental well-being in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Key messages:
Inclusive families, schools, and societies can support mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Family support is important for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth: it can reduce their risk for depression, substance use, suicide, and other mental health challenges.
Social support, including from friends, families, and communities can help LGBTQIA+ people feel loved and valued.
As a Christian, responding to the LGBTQ+ community requires understanding, love, and a commitment to biblical truth while also respecting the dignity of all individuals. It's important to remember that while some may disagree on their lifestyle, love and compassion should guide all interactions which help to support their emotional well-being. Some examples from (Biola Magazine Staff, 2015)
“Embrace the tension by developing friendships over meals, coffee and more. Engage in conversations. Try to understand who they are as a person (experiences, hopes, dreams, fears, etc.). Don’t seek to “fix” anyone but point to Christ. My responsibility is to love people, make friends and journey with them.”
The Power of Community and Connection in Mental Health
This 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.
It’s a great time to think about who makes your life meaningful, 🫶 who inspires you, 🤩 who sparks joy in your life.
Scripture passages:
Offering encouragement, hope, and strength for those dealing with mental health challenges
For Comfort & Peace:
Psalm 34:18, which says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" offers assurance of God's presence and comfort during difficult times. Matthew 11:28-30 invites those who are weary to find rest in Jesus. Psalm 73:26, John 14:27, and Philippians 4:6-7 speak to God's strength, peace, and the power of prayer to combat anxiety.
For Strength & Courage:
Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13, and Joshua 1:9 provide encouragement and assurance of God's support and the strength He provides in challenging situations.
For Hope & Resilience:
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God's plans for a hopeful future, and Romans 8:28 assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him
References
Biola Magazine Staff. (2015, December 31). How should Christians respond to gay friends or family members? Biola University. https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-magazine/2015/how-should-christians-respond-to-gay-friends-or-fa
National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2025). Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Talking points for organizations. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-MHAM-Organization-Talking-Points.pdf
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit. https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit
Resources
https://www.nami.org/your-journey/kids-teens-and-young-adults/kids/
Mabel martinez-almonte
MA, OTR/L, NCC
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.