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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!
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When it is?
May 10
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Category
Health
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Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to raise awareness and show support for mental health on National Mental Health Awareness Week, starting on May 10! This week-long observance was first established in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization to educate the public about mental health issues and promote overall well-being. It's a time to come together and break the stigma surrounding mental health, while also recognizing the importance of taking care of our minds as well as our bodies. Let's spread positivity and understanding during this important week.

History of National Mental Health Awareness Week

National Mental Health Awareness Week Dates

National Mental Health Awareness Week Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mental Health America organization first established National Mental Health Awareness Week to educate the public about mental health issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federal Focus on Mental Health</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. government recognizes the importance of mental health care, leading to the construction of community mental health centers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Alliance of Mental Illness Formed</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) was formed, which played a significant role in the promotion of mental health awareness in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. Congressional Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress officially declared the week of May as an annual observance for National Mental Health Awareness Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Media and Mental Health</div><div class='timeline-text'>The rise of social media platforms created new avenues for spreading mental health awareness and breaking the stigma.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mental Health Awareness Week took on even more importance due to the additional mental health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Week

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a mental health journal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this week as an opportunity to reflect on your mental health and start a journal to document your thoughts and feelings. This can be a helpful tool for self-care and self-awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a mental health workshop or seminar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community centers or mental health organizations for workshops or seminars about mental health. These events can provide valuable information and resources for those looking to learn more about mental health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Practice self-care</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to focus on yourself and practice self-care during this week. This can include activities like yoga, meditation, going for a walk, or indulging in your favorite hobbies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information and resources about mental health. You can also use hashtags like #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek to join in on the conversation and spread awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a mental health fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to organize a mental health fundraiser, such as a charity walk or run, to support mental health organizations and raise awareness for the cause.</p></div></div>

Why National Mental Health Awareness Week is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to mental health issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mental Health Awareness Week helps shine a spotlight on important mental health issues that often go unnoticed or untreated. This awareness creates a dialogue and opens up conversations about the importance of taking care of one's mental well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes education and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During this week, organizations and individuals come together to provide educational resources and information about mental health. This helps reduce stigma and promote understanding of the diverse range of mental health issues people face.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h2 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages self-care and seeking help</h2><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us all to take care of our own mental health and to seek help when needed. It also provides valuable resources for those who are struggling with mental health issues to find the support they need.</p></div></div>

5 Eye-Opening Facts for Mental Health Week

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Half of all Mental Health Disorders show first Signs before a Person turns 14</h3><p class='facts-content'>The World Health Organization reports that almost half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, highlighting the significance of early intervention and recognition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Depression is one of the Leading Causes of Disability Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Depression can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning and is reported to be a leading cause of disability worldwide, which underscores the widespread impact of mental health conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Only a Minority of Those in Need Receive Effective Mental Health Services</h3><p class='facts-content'>Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources often prevent many individuals from seeking or receiving adequate mental health services despite the high prevalence of these conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Suicides are increasingly linked to Mental Health Issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Untreated mental health conditions can lead to tragic results, such as suicide, which is among the leading causes of death in 15-29-year-olds globally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Healthy Lifestyle Choices can Improve Mental Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and social interactions are all considered beneficial for maintaining good mental health, highlighting the importance of holistic wellbeing.</p></div></div>

National Mental Health Awareness Week FAQs

When is National Mental Health Awareness Week?

National Mental Health Awareness Week is celebrated on May 10 every year. In 2024 National Mental Health Awareness Week will occur on a Friday.

National Mental Health Awareness Week Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 10

Wednesday

2024

May 10

Friday

2025

May 10

Saturday

2026

May 10

Sunday

2027

May 10

Monday

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