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Mental Health Awareness Month

An institutional initiative during May created by Mental Health America in 1949 to promote mental health awareness and education.

Saturday

1–31

May 2027

Last updated February 11, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of May

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYMental Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month on May 1! This month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating people, and taking action to improve mental health globally. The goal of this month is to reduce the stigma around mental health and help those who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated since 1949 and it continues to grow in popularity each year. So join the movement and spread awareness during this important month - your voice can make a difference!

TIMELINE

Mental Health Awareness Month Timeline

Mental Health Awareness Month Begins

The National Association for Mental Health, now the Mental Health America, established May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

First National Mental Health Week

In 1950, the first National Mental Health Week was observed, which eventually led to the establishment of Mental Health Awareness Month.

NAMI's Foundation

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) was established to provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness about mental illness.

Mental Health Service Act Amendments

The Mental Health Systems Act is updated to increase funding for mental health services and programs across the United States.

Green Ribbon Initiative

The Green Ribbon Initiative was launched as the global symbol for mental health awareness, mirroring the importance of the month itself.

COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health awareness became even more crucial as isolation and fear led to a global increase in mental health issues.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

Practice Self-Care

Take time out of the day to focus on yourself. This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath, to going for a walk, to just taking a few moments to meditate. Doing something for yourself can help reduce stress and improve mental health.

TALK

Talk to Someone

Reach out to family and friends or even a therapist. Talking to someone can help you express your thoughts and feelings, and get valuable feedback and support.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Contributing to something bigger than yourself can be very rewarding and help increase self-esteem. Look for local opportunities or look into virtual volunteering.

GET

Get Moving

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and feel better. Take advantage of outdoor activities available near you, or do some yoga at home.

EAT

Eat Well

Eating healthy is important for overall health and well being. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, reduce sugary snacks, and cut back on processed foods.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Mental Health Awareness Month is Important

It can help save lives

Mental illness is often associated with silence – yet opening up the dialogue can be the motivating factor to get someone seeking the help they need. Mental illness doesn’t have treatments or cures in the same way physical illnesses do, so simply raising awareness helps to start us down the path of finding solutions and knowledge that will ultimately save lives.

Mental health awareness can help reduce stigma

By raising mental health awareness, we can make people feel accepted and heard. It is also important that we talk openly about mental health issues in order to reduce the stigma associated with them, which can prevent people from reaching out for help when they need it most.

It increases understanding

By educating ourselves and others on mental health topics, we can foster a better understanding of mental health struggles. This could lead to more compassion towards those struggling and an increase in access to resources and support for those who need them.

Related holidays

National Mental Health Awareness Week

It's time to prioritize your mental health and spread awareness during National Mental Health Awareness Week. Let's break the stigma together!

World Mental Health Day

Take time to focus on your mental health this World Mental Health Day - practice self-care and prioritize your wellbeing!

National Silence the Shame Day

On National Silence the Shame Day, let's break the stigma surrounding mental health and have open conversations to support each other.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Shine a light on the reality of mental illness during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Information, empathy, support: it all begins with awareness.

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