Every day, millions of people experience stigma related to mental illness, causing many to face their mental health challenges for years without help. Each May, Mental Health Matters Month provides the opportunity for everyone to come together to illuminate mental health awareness in an effort to stop the stigma. Bringing forth this awareness is crucial to helping people reach out for the assistance they deserve. Throughout the month,  thousands of individuals, organizations, and communities join together to show their support and bring awareness to the topic of mental health by engaging in a range of activities, from sharing on social media to hosting events that are virtual or follow local health guidelines.

We are excited to share Each Mind Matters' Mental Health Matters Month Activation Kit: “May is Mental Health Matters Month: Hope for Change.” This year’s kit includes many activities that can be done individually, virtually in community, or at home.

The activities and messages in this year’s kit ground us in the moment, allow us to reflect on the growth we have experienced, and empower us to face change in the future, with hope as our guiding principle. #HopeForChange reminds us to spread and rely on the hope that carried us through a year of change.

Review the May is Mental Health Matters Month Activation Kit for materials that include:

• • • Social media guide, including pre-written posts and images for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
    • A selection ofactivities with accompanying activity guides
    • Video conferencing backgrounds
    • May is Mental Health Matters Month 2021 Proclamation Template
      
      

Each week in May is a different call-to-action with activities and challenges everyone can participate in: 

• • • Week 1: Hope for Change
    • Week 2: Put the MOVE in Movement
    • Week 3: Positive Affirmations
    • Week 4: Fostering Connections

Connect with one another throughout the month of May by using the hashtags #HopeForChange #MayMentalHealthMonth2021 

Here are simple ways you can show your mental health support during May Mental Health Awareness Month 2021:

Start the Conversation

This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our individual and collective strength and resiliency. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never imagined, and many of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities. During the month of May, we are focusing on different topics that can help process the events of the past while also building skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19.

It’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis. For more information, visit www.mhanational.org/may.

Key Points:

• • • Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.
    • While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
    • The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on the mental health of people of all ages, and now more than ever it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles that commonly prevents individuals from seeking help.
    • There are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency, regardless of the situations they are dealing with.
    • It’s important to accept the situations in life that we cannot change, actively work to process the mental struggles associated with big changes, manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns, and make time to take care of yourself.
    • Knowing when to turn to friends, family, and co-workers when you are struggling with life’s challenges can help improve your mental health.
    • One way to check in with yourself is to take a mental health screen at org. It’s a quick, free, and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental health problems.
    • Living a healthy lifestyle and incorporating mental health tools to thrive may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.
    • Seeking professional help when self-help efforts to improve your mental health aren’t working is a sign of strength, not weakness.
      
      

Show Your Support

In alignment with the safe distancing guidelines, here are resources to allow for self-care while remaining physically distanced, but socially and emotinally connected. View the activity guides in Each Mind Matters' May is Mental Health Matters Month 2021 Activation Kit and Mental Health America's Toolkit, download our May activity calendar , and download the video conferencing background to participate in May is Mental Health Matters Month. We hope you will join us in raising awareness and putting an end to the stigma.

Get Involved

Throughout the month of May, Tri-City Mental Health is hosting virtual webinars, events and social media challenge to support May Mental Health Mattters Month. Download our May Mental Health Matters Calendar to discover different ways you can participate this month!

• • • Tri-City Webinars – Tri-City will be hosting webinars, from various programs/departments, to bring awareness about mental health challenges and promote wellbeing.
    • WE RISE encourages wellbeing and healing through art, connection, community engagement and creative expression. Taking place during May: Mental Health Awareness Month, WE RISE includes Art Rise, a series of 21 art experiences; Community Pop-Ups, hyperlocal activities across Los Angeles County neighborhoods; and a robust Digital Experience, offering original programs that can be enjoyed from anywhere.
    • Thursday, May 20^th -  Mental Health Action Day From awareness to action. In the wake of COVID-19, millions of people have uncovered new mental health conditions and millions more have had their existing challenges exacerbated. We must take action now to meet the needs of our communities and identify opportunities to build long-term resilience.
    • Thursday, May 20^th 5pm - Directing Change Video Showcase. Directing Change is a film contest that engages students and young people throughout California to learn about the topics of suicide prevention and mental health in an innovative way to promote mental health and wellness by starting conversations in schools and communities. During the showcase, Tri-City will show all local video submissions followed by a discussion from students and advisors who worked on the project.
    • Friday, May 28^th 3:30pm - Wellness Center Virtual Talent Show. Join us virtually as we celebrate the Wellness Center’s 12^th Annual Talent Show. A free event of music, art, poetry, and much more. Contact the Wellness Center at wellness@tricitymhs.org or (909) 242-7600 to learn more. 
      
      

Get Informed

Visit our Stigma Reduction page to learn more about Room4Everyone and how to join the mental health movement.