May Is Mental Health Month

For more than fifty years, our country has recognized Mental Health Month as a way to raise awareness about mental illnesses and the importance of mental wellness for all. Sponsored by Mental Health America , this month is a great time to share messages about mental health with your community. Take this opportunity to increase public awareness and understanding of mental health issues through Mental Health Month activities.

Get Involved!

Check out these Web sites for information and resources:

1. Register to Host an NDSD Mental Health Screening event. By offering in-person or online screening, you can educate the public about the symptoms and effective treatments for mental health disorders, offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for the disorders, and to connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.
   
2. What A Difference A Friend Makes for information about how to encourage, educate, and inspire people between the ages of 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. For example, you might create your own radio public service announcement like the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and hold a press conference announcing your involvement in the What A Difference A Friend Makes campaign.
   
3. Mental Health: It’s Part of College Life for ideas about how to generate mental health awareness on college campuses. Work with a college or university in your community to hold a discussion series for students about different mental health topics.
   
4. Mental Health Ministries – download the “May Is Mental Health Month” bulletin insert either in English or Spanish. Work with local faith communities to get the insert into their weekly bulletins.
   
5. The ADS Center’s Campaigns and Programs map to find out what others are doing in your community. Contact them and ask how you can participate in their activities.
   
6. Talking to Kids about Mental Illness, if you’re a parent, grandparent, or someone who works with young people. Then, sit down with the kids and teens in your life and talk about mental health. If you’ll be talking with teens, show them the link to Reach Out! Central, an interactive online game that helps young adults sort through the thoughts and emotions they might experience in real-life interactions.
   
7. Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative – print out the Sample Proclamation on page 70. Work with your local elected officials to make Mental Health Month an official event in your community.