Mental Health Awareness Month

With mental health entering more and more of our daily conversations, it's critical that everyone has a solid foundation of knowledge about mental health. That's why for Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is getting back to basics. The resources and information on this page are provided by Mental Health America.

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, with symptoms starting by age 24 for the majority of people.

THE HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). It began as Mental Health Week launched in collaboration with the Jaycees to educate Americans about mental illness and mental health.

WHO NEEDS TO LOOK AFTER THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?

Everyone! Mental health is important for all of us. Taking care of yourself is critical to prevent your mental health from worsening – factors like nutrition and gut health, stress, sleep, relationships, trauma, and more can contribute to poor mental health. If your mental health is in a good spot, it is a great time to practice coping skills – ways to help you deal with hard feelings – so that you're better able to handle tough times when they happen.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or just want to check in with yourself, take a screen here. 

CRISIS HOTLINES AND RESOURCES
Need to talk to someone? Specialists are available for confidential telephone counseling.
 

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255
 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
 
 
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
(888) 628-9454
  

Veterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255, PRESS 1
Text 838255
 Chat online

2NDFLOOR YOUTH HELPLINE 
 1-888-222-2228

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)
 In a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741.
 NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI
 Online Chat

THE TREVOR PROJECT (LGBTQ YOUTH)
 1-866-488-7386

 TRANS LIFELINE
 877-565-8860

 Postpartum Support Intl.
 1-800-944-4773
 Text “Help” to 800-944-4773
 Text en Español: 971-203-7773
 

For more resources and information click here.