May 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness month is an annual observance founded in 1949 by Mental Health America to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, promote support for those affected by mental health conditions, and reduce stigma. This year’s theme is "Turn Awareness Into Action", to emphasize the importance of taking the steps needed to improve mental well-being.

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” -World Health Organization

According to the National Council on Mental Wellbeing:

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
~14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder

2025 Theme: “Moving Forward Together!
Women Educating & Inspiring Generations."

This theme is meant to highlight and support women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership to shape the minds and futures of all generations.

Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month, also in May, recognizes the contributions of older Americans, highlights aging trends, and focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging, with this year’s theme being: “Flip the Script on Aging”.

Many factors can affect mental health in older adults, including: physical and social environment, impacts of earlier life experiences, certain stressors related to ageing, bereavement and loss of loved ones, reduced income and sense of purpose with retirement, social isolation and loneliness, ageism: discrimination and prejudice based on age, and elder abuse.

Ways to promote positive Mental Health can include:

Building social connections such as attending social activities or joining community and support groups
Promote healthy behaviors, like eating a balanced diet, being physically active, not smoking, and reducing alcohol use
Understanding the signs and symptoms of mental health seeking treatment when needed