On behalf of the community behavioral health organizations we support across the country, we are proud to recognize Mental Health Month and celebrate the behavioral health heroes on the frontlines. To help you do the same, we are sharing the following resources for consideration:
Mental Health Facts & Figures
Here are some data points you can use to speak to the scope of mental health:
- 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness.
- Nearly 1 in 25 (10 million) adults in America live with a serious mental illness.
- One-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by the age of 24.
- Approximately 10.2 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.
Mental Health Graphics
Here are some graphics you can use to recognize the month and highlight mental health:
- Show your support with these branded materials:
- Download data graphics from our partnership with Cohen Veterans Network. Click each link to download them.
Sample Social Media Messaging
Need help with your social media messaging? Feel free to use the following:
- May is #MentalHealthMonth! The past few months have been tough, but we’re in this together, and we will come out stronger. Let’s make our mental health a priority!
- As we celebrate #MentalHealthMonth, it is important that we work together to thrive. Learn how can you help your loved ones during this difficult time: https://bit.ly/3fhHGhG
- I’m celebrating #MentalHealthMonth by sending a virtual hug to my friends and family! (insert a picture of yourself, a graphic or a GIF)
- May is Mental Health Month! Our mental health must be a top priority. We’re in this together. How are you prioritizing your mental health during COVID-19?
- As we celebrate Mental Health Month, we do so during unprecedented and stressful times. Check out these tips for managing your stress: https://bit.ly/35s767V
- This is how I take care of my mental health: I like to read for 30 minutes a day. (Describe an activity and attach a supporting image)
- For Mental Health Month, share images that highlight how you feel, or how you manage your mental health. Example: A photo of you with your coffee on a sunny morning. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #MentalHealthMonth!
Mental Health and COVID-19
Explore our regularly updated COVID-19 resources:
- Explore our regularly updated resource page for tools and information.
- Read our Mental Health First Aid blog to learn how to stay healthy – and help others.
- Help us help others – donate to our National Council COVID-19 Relief Fund.
- Learn how to build organizational resilience in the face of COVID-19.
- Read our ongoing “Coping in a Crisis” blog series.
Mental Health First Aid: #BeTheDifference
Download and share these graphics on social media:
How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19
Supporting Friends During COVID-19
How to Care for Yourself While Practicing Physical Distancing
How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression During COVID-19
- How Do I know Someone is Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?
- Self-Care Tips for Healthcare Workers
- Tips to Help Teens Cope During COVID-19
Learn how you can help yourself and someone in need:
- How to #BeTheDifference For People With Mental Health Concerns During COVID-19
- How to Care For Yourself While Practicing Physical Distancing
- How Do I Know Someone is Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?
- How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression During COVID-19
- How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19
Read our latest blog posts for tips and best practices:
- For health care workers: Self-Care Tips for Health Care Workers
- For teens: Tips to Help Teens Cope During COVID-19 and Supporting Friends During COVID-19
National Council Resources
We have several resources to help you learn and grow this month:
- Mental Health First Aid – Get trained today!
- Attend an upcoming webinar on mental health and addiction treatment.
- Join an Interest Group to learn more about mental health in select populations.
- Read our BH365 blog for ongoing thought leadership.
Other Resources
Check out what other organizations are doing this month:
- Be Vocal – Speak Up for Mental Health.
- Mental Health America – Download tools to thrive.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Download infographics for sharing.
- SAMHSA – Download mental illness and addiction infographics.
