Mental Health Awareness Month: Small Conversations, Real Support
Each May, communities across the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month as a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage support for people living with mental health challenges. SAMHSA’s 2026 toolkit describes Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to share resources, promote acceptance, and remind people that we all have a role in caring for our mental health.
At Drug Free Pickaway, we believe mental health is part of overall health. Checking in with a friend, encouraging someone to ask for help, and learning how to talk about mental health in supportive ways can make a real difference in our families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
SAMHSA’s toolkit is designed as a one-stop resource for organizations and communities that want to participate. It includes weekly key messages for May, social media content, graphics and promotional materials, messaging that encourages acceptance and support, best practices for helpful conversations, and additional resources that can be used throughout the month and beyond.
Mental Health Awareness Month is also a good reminder that support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. SAMHSA also links to the 988 partner resources from its mental health materials.
This month, consider taking one simple action:
- Start a conversation about mental health.
- Share a trusted resource.
- Remind someone that asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Learn more about how to support others in healthy, respectful ways.
You can explore SAMHSA’s Mental Health Awareness Month materials here: Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.
Need immediate help?
Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
