The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month - We can all play a part in raising mental health awareness and decreasing stigma.
Did you know that Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the month of May since 1949? It was originally designated as such by the national advocacy organization Mental Health America. Annually during the month of May, organizations, groups, and individuals run campaigns that are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health conditions.
Here's what you should know about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and how you can get involved.
Why do we need Mental Health Awareness Month?
People consistently rank health as one of the most important things in life. Sadly, however, optimal mental health is often not included. Mental health is many times the proverbial “elephant in the room”—we know that it is there, but it makes us uncomfortable to address it.
Stigma, misinformation, and disinformation all create substantial barriers in raising mental health awareness. We believe that stigma associated with mental illness is the most problematic of these. Stigma is defined as a mark of shame or discredit. In our book, Understanding Mental Illness, we discuss the stigma of mental illness and how it impacts those living with mental health conditions. Stigma is a label placed upon people to set them apart, to make them feel ashamed, disgraced, or embarrassed about who they are, often because of factors beyond their control.
What are the consequences of the stigma around mental illness?
Because of this stigma, people are more likely to discuss physical health conditions rather than mental health conditions with others. Similarly, they are also more assertive in seeking care for physical ailments than they are for mental health disorders. Surveys show that the average time between the onset of mental health symptoms and the decision to seek care for mental health conditions can be a year or more. Making a difference in the lives of people suffering from mental illness becomes quite difficult when such a delay exists between symptoms and interventions. As with physical health conditions, early diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions lead to better outcomes.
How do we as a society move forward?
Despite the barriers that exist, all hope is not lost. Increasingly, key stakeholders are having impactful conversations on ways to improve the mental health of Americans. Campaigns such as Mental Health Awareness month are playing a great role in important mental health issues such as awareness and access.
What can I do to help raise mental health awareness?
Each of us can play a part, whether big or small, in raising mental health awareness and thereby decreasing stigma. Mental Health Awareness month is a great time to take part in this cause by being an ambassador for mental health in one of the following ways:
Volunteer at or make a monetary donation to Mental Health America (MHA) or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Be supportive of a friend or loved one who is struggling with a mental health condition.
Help raise mental health awareness on social media by engaging with platforms that support mental health causes.
Pay attention to your language. Avoid language that is negative (e.g. “she is bipolar," “that’s schizo," “they are crazy or psycho”).
Learn about mental health. Listen to a TED talk or podcast on a mental health topic. Read a book or blog about mental health or self-help issues. These are great ways to not only learn about mental health but also to improve your mental well-being.
Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) are spontaneous, unhelpful thoughts that pop into your mind — often without you noticing. They can fuel anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Monday Affirmations
Apologizing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about owning your stuff and making things right. It takes honesty and vulnerability.
Daily affirmations help shape the way we think, feel, and show up for ourselves. Make them a habit—your mind will thank you. #MentalHealthAwareness #DailyAffirmations
How celebrating Earth Day can improve your peace of mind
Explore why celebrating Earth Day can benefit mother nature and your mental health. Plus, 10 mindful activities to try on Earth Day to improve your peace of mind.
It’s no secret that our relationship with Earth supports our mental health. Research has shown that connecting in nature can boost our mood, reduce stress, and even give us a better night’s sleep. In celebration of Earth Day this April, take some time to think about how you can have a positive impact on the Earth and celebrate everything that it does for us.
What is Earth Day, and why do we celebrate it?
Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Since Earth Day celebrations started in 1970, it’s grown to include a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org, involving over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Earth Day celebrations help raise awareness about key environmental issues, such as pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. It reminds us how important it is to actively protect the planet and encourages people, communities, and governments to take concrete steps toward sustainable living.
Earth Day has played a significant role in environmental advocacy, leading to policy changes and the establishment of environmental laws. It's a day for learning about environmental challenges and for mobilizing toward making the Earth a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable place for future generations. On Earth Day we can also show our individual commitment to preserving the environment and to inspire positive change in our daily habits.
How celebrating Earth Day can benefit your mental health
Celebrating Earth Day reminds us of the importance of taking care of our planet and ourselves. This can lead to a range of benefits to our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Connection to nature and Earth can improve mental health
Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Earth Day activities often involve being outdoors, whether it's planting trees, cleaning up local parks, or simply appreciating the world around you. This connection to nature can improve your mood and overall sense of wellbeing.
Nature can give you a sense of purpose
Participating in Earth Day events can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. Knowing that you are contributing to a cause greater than yourself can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. This collective action toward environmental conservation can make you feel part of a community, combating feelings of isolation.
💙 Jay Shetty’s We Are Nature meditation provides insight into how you’re connected with the world around you.
Celebrating Earth Day can encourage physical activity
Many Earth Day activities involve physical exercise, such as walking, gardening, or cleaning up beaches and parks. Physical activity may release natural mood-lifting chemicals in your body, sometimes helping to reduce feelings of stress and depression.
💙 Mindful Walking will help you get the most out of your time outside by combining mindfulness, meditation, and physical movement.
Nature allows learning and growth
Earth Day provides opportunities to learn more about environmental issues and what you can do to help. This learning process can be empowering and offers a sense of control. Engaging in educational activities keeps your mind active, contributing to your overall mental health.
Mother Earth can promote mindfulness and reflection
Celebrating Earth Day encourages mindfulness and reflection on our impact on the planet. It can be a day of gratitude for the Earth's resources, leading to a more thoughtful approach to how we use them. This mindfulness can extend to other areas of life, promoting a more balanced and reflective mindset.
Getting involved in nature can reduce eco-anxiety
For those concerned about environmental issues, taking action on Earth Day can help alleviate feelings of eco-anxiety. Being proactive in environmental conservation efforts can provide a sense of control over environmental concerns, reducing feelings of helplessness and despair.
10 mindful activities to celebrate Earth Day
Each of these mindful Earth Day celebration activities offers you a way to promote sustainability and build a deeper sense of connection with nature.
1. Learn patience by planting a garden
No matter what you’re growing, gardening connects you with the earth. It's a mindful practice that teaches patience, care, and the cycle of life. Invite friends or family to join you in planting something new, turning it into a communal and educational activity.
2. Stop and stare at the world around us
Organize a nature walk in a local park or nature reserve. Encourage participants to observe the flora and fauna, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty around them. This activity can serve as a reminder of the natural wonders we're working to protect.
3. Refresh how you recycling
Spend a day learning about and organizing your recycling. This could involve setting up a more efficient recycling station at home or hosting a community workshop on the importance of recycling correctly. Invite neighbors to join in and share tips on reducing waste.
4. Clean-up your community as a group
Organize or participate in a clean-up event in your neighborhood, local park, or beach. This not only helps the environment but also strengthens community ties. Working alongside others for a common cause can be a powerful bonding experience.
5. Get crafty to avoid landfill
Host a workshop or a small gathering to create upcycled crafts from materials you might otherwise throw away. This can be an engaging way to spend time with family or friends while also promoting the idea of reusing and repurposing.
Easter reminds us that renewal is always possible — not just for nature, but for us, too. 🌿 Whether it's a fresh mindset, a new boundary, or a tiny habit that brings peace, every step counts.
Small steps, big impacts! This Stress Awareness Month, let’s embrace the #LittleByLittle approach to self-care and stress reduction. Prioritizing your well-being, one small action at a time! #StressAwareness #SelfCare #MentalHealth
