Mental Health Awareness Month 2026

What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

mental health awareness month 2025 graphic

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions. Each year, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources.

Why Do We Support Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental health awareness plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention and fostering empathy and understanding. Normalizing conversations around mental health nurtures a more compassionate society where individuals feel empowered to seek help, leading to improved mental wellbeing. Key objectives of Mental Health Awareness Month include:

  • Educating the public about mental health conditions and their impact.
  • Reducing stigma by encouraging open conversations and fostering acceptance.
  • Highlighting the importance of early intervention and access to treatment.
  • Sharing available mental health resources, including support groups and crisis services.
  • Building solidarity and reducing isolation for those facing mental health challenges.
  • Advocating for improved mental health policies, increased funding and better access to care.
  • Promoting mental wellbeing and self-care practices for overall health.

We support Mental Health Awareness Month because it aligns with our vision to make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, everywhere.

What Are Some Key Facts About Mental Health? 

americans joining arms to celebrate mental health awareness month

Despite overwhelming need, nearly 30 million people across the U.S. don’t have access to affordable, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. The stark truth is: 

How Can I Support Mental Health Awareness?

This Mental Health Awareness Month, help us make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, everywhere.

Make the Pledge!



Mental wellbeing is a state of thriving. We believe mental wellbeing is achievable for everyone — including individuals living with or recovering from a mental health or substance use challenge.


Take the Pledge Today!

Turn your pledge into action by doing things like bringing your voice to lawmakers, expanding the behavioral health workforce and teaching neighbors how to be there for each other. Come join us. Take the pledge to help make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, everywhere!

How Can I Help Protect Access to Care?

Despite overwhelming need, nearly 30 million people across the U.S. don’t have access to affordable, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. That’s where we come in.  

We fight for a stronger, better-funded, more integrated approach to mental health and substance use care by advocating for lifesaving legislation, strengthening the substance use and mental health safety-net system, investing in provider capacity and increasing mental health literacy.  

To quote the late Sen. Everett Dirksen, “When I feel the heat, I see the light.” Join us in advocating for game-changing models like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), critical programs like Mental Health Awareness Training Grants, and dozens of bills in Congress right now that would expand access to care and provide funding for providers, communities, and states.   

Together, we’ll raise our voices together to illuminate a bright future for mental wellbeing.  

Want to get involved? Check out these resources to make your voice heard:  

How Can I Help Raise Awareness in My Community? 

You can make an impact this Mental Health Awareness Month by spreading the word!

Follow us on social media:

Share these messages on social media to help promote mental wellbeing:

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! Let’s break the stigma and start open conversations about mental health. Make the pledge to help make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, everywhere. #PledgeforMentalWellbeing

Mental health is just as important as physical health. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, let’s educate, advocate and support each other. Join us in adding your voice to the national pledge for mental wellbeing for all. #PledgeforMentalWellbeing

It’s OK to not be OK. May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and it’s a good reminder to check in on your mental health and ask for help if you need it. Join me in pledging to create more good days, together. #PledgeforMentalWellbeing

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, let’s raise awareness, reduce stigma and ensure everyone has the resources they need to thrive. Make the pledge and help expand access to mental wellbeing for all. #PledgeforMentalWellbeing

Together, let’s advocate for better resources, policies and support for everyone. It’s time to take action–pledging is a powerful first step toward a healthier future. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #PledgeforMentalWellbeing

How Can I Stay Informed of Mental Health News?

By staying informed, getting involved and spreading awareness year-round, you can make a difference in your own mental health and the lives of others. Here are a few ways to do that:

Take advantage of our newsletters, resources and learning opportunities: 

Explore these Mental Health First Aid resources available to you: 

From all of us here at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, thank you for joining us in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, we can make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, everywhere!