Mental Health Awareness In May and Beyond
I’m sure you know by now it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. With the countless social media posts and community outreach, it’s pretty obvious what May is. As a business centering around advocacy, it’s not much different for us. While the idea of mental health awareness month is nice, it’s important to practice this year-round. Here’s some ways to spread awareness in May and beyond.
Post About It:
Let’s admit it, social media is a huge part of the modern world. As many negatives as it has, it can be used for good. You never know who you might help if you post. It doesn’t have to be personal. Sending out a message showing that it’s okay to struggle and help is available can be so helpful for someone.
Education:
This doesn’t mean taking psychology classes but rather getting informed about what mental illness looks like. Take time to read about it, watch videos and listen to real stories. Taking a class in mental health first AID or suicide prevention is extra helpful to give greater insight into warning signs. It’s important to remember that mental illness can impact anyone, so it’s very useful to know the signs.
Call Out Stigma:
This can be a tough one for many but it’s good challenge. In 2025, stigma is still alive and well. We don’t realize that little statements that seem harmless can further ignite stigma Comments like “he’s so OCD (when he’s just organized) or she’s so Bipolar (when she’s just moody) can be very damaging. It can be intimidating and adults don’t like to be lectured and told what to do without a reason. Rather, explain why these actions can be hurtful for people who live with this.
Support in Anyway:
Supporting mental health has a ripple effect. This might look like donating money, participating in events, posting, conversations and volunteering. I truly believe combating stigma is work in progress. We need large numbers of people to continue to show support and spread the message. We need to make it look like it matters.
I hope we can use May as a time to begin the journey of a kinder and more inclusive world. Take time to post, read, share and maybe even bring initiatives to your workplace or community. I think the problem with any awareness month is how it stops when the month is over. Businesses, communities and public figures spend the month advocating and tuck it away when it’s over. But the reality is it doesn’t go away at the end of the month. This is why we have to continue the message year round to raise more awareness and help support people who go through this.
