May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time when we shine a light on the importance of mental and emotional well-being. For many years, this month has helped raise awareness about mental health conditions and the need for support. While raising awareness is important, it’s also important to know how you can move beyond awareness and start taking meaningful action.

Mental health awareness and support are vital to all of us. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 23% of adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental health disorder. However, only half of these adults reported receiving mental health treatment in the past year. That’s one reason why learning how to take meaningful steps toward change matters so much.

This May, find out what you can do to help build a world where mental health is not just talked about, but also supported, protected and prioritized.

The evolution of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month began 76 years ago in 1949. The annual campaign was started by Mental Health America, a nonprofit that still supports mental health advocacy today. At the time of the first Mental Health Awareness Month, mental health was rarely discussed. Many people struggled in silence. Over time, more people started speaking out, and the month of May became a chance to educate, connect and reduce stigma.

Today, many schools, workplaces and organizations recognize May as a time to support mental health. You might see people wearing green ribbons, which are a symbol for mental health awareness. You might notice awareness-oriented social media campaigns and public events designed to show support and spread information.

The conversation around mental health has changed significantly over the last several decades. However, some common myths and misconceptions around mental health still exist.

For example:

• The myth that mental health problems are rare (they’re not)
• The misconception that you can “just snap out of it” (you can’t)
• The idea that there’s only one right way to treat mental health challenges (many tools can help)

While mental health awareness has come a long way, there are still areas for improvement. Staying aware and informed is the first step. The next step is moving from awareness to action.

How you can take meaningful action this Mental Health Awareness Month

Taking action can mean many things. In the same way that mental health resists one-size-fits-all solutions, there is no single right way to create positive change. You might focus on how you treat yourself, how you support others and how systems respond to mental health needs.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Take care of your mental health — Every year, Mental Health Awareness Month has a different theme. This year’s theme is “Turn Awareness Into Action.” In 2023, the theme was “Look Around, Look Within.” The idea behind this theme is still relevant. While you might want to focus on helping others, taking care of yourself is also essential. Maybe you feel unwanted. Maybe you feel like crying all the time. Perhaps you wake up every day angry at the world and yourself. Addressing these feelings and practicing self-compassion is important. You might bolster your mental health by creating a daily routine that includes rest, movement and connection. You might engage in self-care by practicing mindfulness and taking regular breaks when things feel stressful. Taking care of your own mental health can enable you to provide better support to others.
• Support someone else — There are plenty of ways you can support other people who are struggling with their mental health. Any level of support can help. Offering support can be as simple as reaching out to a friend who seems like they’re struggling. You don’t even necessarily need to offer advice. In many cases, just listening without judgment can have a big impact. You can also help by encouraging loved ones to seek help if needed.
• Speak up about mental health needs — Support local or national efforts to improve mental health laws. Advocate for better access to mental health treatment in your job or community. If you’re in a leadership position at your workplace, take action to build a better environment. Workplaces and schools can take action by offering mental health days, bringing in licensed clinical therapists or training staff to recognize when someone needs support.

By turning awareness into action, you can help create a culture where people feel safe to ask for help and get the support they deserve.

Take one step this May with Lightfully

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to making a difference. Remember that even small actions can lead to big change.

This May, pick just one thing you can do for mental health, and do it. Maybe that means checking in with a friend, making your first therapy appointment or sharing a mental health fact on Instagram. Whatever you choose, know that your action matters.

At Lightfully, we’re here to support you this month and every month. Whether you’re looking for care for yourself or want to help others, we offer compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment that puts each client at the center of their healing journey.

You can also learn more with these great resources for continued mental health support and advocacy:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America’s “Become an Advocate” page
• Active Minds
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which you can call or text at 988 for immediate support

Change is possible. Contact us if you have any questions about what you can do for the mental health of yourself or a loved one. If you’re ready to seek treatment, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.