The month of May means one thing on My Brain’s Not Broken – it’s Mental Health Awareness Month! This is a time every year (held each May in the United States) where time and space is reserved to raise awareness for mental health. Even though we can advocate year-round, this month is a time for specific conversations about shrinking the mental health stigma and advocating for the policies and services that people need. Different organizations have various themes for Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month is a good time to come together and advocate for what we ALL need to maintain mental wellness. Here are a few campaigns to keep an eye on this month!
Together For Mental Health
For Mental Health Awareness Month this year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is focusing on the theme “Together for Mental Health.” From their website:
Mental health is an incredibly important part of overall health. With a growing number of Americans experiencing mental health symptoms, we need to join together to advocate for improving our nation’s mental health care system.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is using this time to bring people together to share experiences and resources, and emphasize the importance of coming together.
Back to Basics
Mental Health America’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Back to Basics.” It’s very encouraging to see that the conversation surrounding mental health is slowly shifting, but there are many communities and people who still are in the dark when it comes to mental health discourse. MHA’s goal is to “provide foundational knowledge about mental health & mental health conditions and information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.” Foundational knowledge is essential for mental wellness, and I’m glad to see an organization focus on that this month.
#BreakTheStigma
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America is using #BreakTheStigma to have a conversation this month around mental health. From their website:
Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. ADAA is dedicated to helping those living with anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders and their loved ones find treatment, support, and resources.
ADAA
Sharing our stories allows us to continue to break the stigma and find power in our experiences which not only help us, but the people around us who might need help, support or resources as well.
On the Blog This Month
As I do every Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to have this blog be a space for education and providing resources when it comes to finding support or whatever help someone might need. I’m still finishing up some of the content for this month, but be on the lookout for information, tips and resources that you can share with the people in your life! We need to change the way we talk about mental health, and it starts with sharing information and breaking down the stigma that’s been built in our communities. Wishing you all good mental health and wellness this month!
I like to share information and resources during Mental Health Awareness Month, but I know there are many other ways to have this conversation. What are some other ways to talk effectively about mental health? How else do we need to change the conversation around mental health and wellness? Let me know in the comments!
My Brain's Not Broken 
Starting and having real conversations about mental health is so important for everyone. We are all touched by mental health every single day and it is time to break all the stigmas and make some progress.
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Well said, I’m with you!
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