Mental Health
Awareness Month
What is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM)?
Observed every May since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the prevalence of mental health challenges and the importance of mental health care and need for supportive environments. Throughout the month, Stamp Out Stigma (SOS) actively participates in this national movement to elevate voices often silenced by stigma and discrimination, educate on mental health issues, and foster empathy. We invite you to join us in prioritizing mental health and well-being, reducing stigma, and promoting a culture of empathy and acceptance.
Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward healing and resilience.
1 IN 5
adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition every year, but only half will receive treatment.
46%
of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.
54.7%
of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, totaling over 28 million individuals.
OVER HALF
of young adults ages 18-21 reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, oftentimes with even more limited access to care.
Resources
Language Guide
Mental health issues and substance use disorders are very often misunderstood. Using person-centered language to talk about mental illness ensures the person is seen as a person first, not as their illness. Our language guide will help you to appropriately communicate about mental illness and substance use disorders and those who experience them.
Stories
At Stamp Out Stigma, we’re on a mission to reshape the way we talk about mental health and substance use disorders. We’re not just collecting stories—we’re amplifying voices that have long been silenced. Join us in turning whispers into conversations, stigma into understanding, and isolation into community.
Take the Pledge
Demonstrate your support for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges and commit to creating a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone is treated with kindness and respect. By pledging to The Three R’s (recognize, reeducate, and reduce), together, we can eliminate stigma.
Crisis Services
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 or visit 988lifeline.org to access support via a chat function.
Education and Awareness
- 5 Tips to Support Young Minds: Read about the top five ways to nurture the mental health of your child.
- Behavioral health tip sheets, guides, and videos: Access materials to learn more about mental health topics and help your family, friends, and colleagues.
- How to Cope with Stress and Anxiety Caused by Tragic Events: Learn about trauma and the different reactions people can have to it, what you can do, what to avoid, and when to seek help.
- How to Help Yourself and Others Through the Grieving Process: Read about common symptoms of grief and grieving and how to cope.
- Magellan Health Insights blog: Read articles about workplace violence, counseling success with military children, actionable strategies for neurodiverse individuals, and more.
- Mental Health by the Numbers: View data and infographics on mental health.
- Mental Health in the Workplace: Guides for Coworkers and Leadership to promote a stigma-free work environment and culture.
- Mental Health Tests: Take free online tests that screen for depression, anxiety, parent test: your child’s mental health, eating disorders, and more.
- National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge: Test your knowledge on substance use in this 11-question quiz.
- Warning Signs and Symptoms: Learn about common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents.
Fact Sheets
- 988 fact sheet: Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- I’m So Stressed Out! Read about the difference between stress and anxiety, and how to manage them.
- My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? Determine how much of your symptoms interfere with your daily life and actions you can take for self-care.
- What You Need to Know About Mental Health: Learn about mental illness, warning signs, and how to find support.
Videos
- 1-minute introductory video to mental health: Educate yourself on the basics of mental health.
- 5 Ways to Cope When Things Feel Out of Control: Get tips for managing stress.
- Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents: Discover how stress and anxiety can impact your everyday life and how to manage them.
- Understanding Postpartum Depression: As many as 1 in 5 new mothers have postpartum depression. Learn more about this serious, but highly treatable condition.