Stamp Out Stigma

Mental Health Awareness Month

2024 Toolkit

Table of Contents

Overview.........................................…………………………………........……........…….................................................................……................................……………...…. 3

Mental Health Awareness Month ..............................................................................................……........................................………................... 3

Observances ...................................................................................……..……..……......……..……..…..……..…….….......................................................…....... 3

Sample Email ..............................…………………………………........……........…….................................................................……...........................…………...…........ 4

Social Media .................................…………………………………........……........…….................................................................……...........................…………...…........ 5

Overview

Mental Health Awareness Month

Observed every May since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the prevalence of mental health challenges and the importance of mental health care and need for supportive environments. Throughout the month, Stamp Out Stigma (SOS) actively participates in this national movement to elevate voices often silenced by stigma and discrimination, educate on mental health issues, and foster empathy. We invite you to join us in prioritizing mental health and well-being, reducing stigma, and promoting a culture of empathy and acceptance.

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward healing and resilience.

Observances in May

Additional national observances in May to highlight include:

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  
• National Maternal Depression Awareness Month
  
• Women’s Health Month
  
• National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 10-16)
  
• National Prevention Week (May 12-18)
  
• National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18)
  
• National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 9)
  

For more observances pertaining to mental health and substance use disorders throughout the year,

download the 2024 Mental Health Observance Calendar.

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Sample Email

Dear [NAME],

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time for all of us to spotlight the significance of open conversations about mental health.

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. encounters a mental health diagnosis every year?

While addressing this is vital throughout the year, May offers a dedicated opportunity to unite and combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. May is packed with nationally recognized themes that we can help promote, including:

• Mental Health Awareness Month
  
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  
• National Maternal Depression Awareness Month
  
• Women’s Health Month
  
• National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 10-16)
• National Prevention Week (May 12-18)
• National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18)
• National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 9)

Together, we can raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in our communities. It's our responsibility to dismantle the stigma linked to these issues by sharing resources and starting conversations. Throughout May, we encourage you to explore mental health topics, engaging family, friends, and loved ones in the process.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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Social Media

Join the Conversation

Using a combination of the posts and downloadable graphics below, you can create content to post to your social media accounts throughout the month. Remember to tag us @StampStigma on Twitter/X or @StampStigma on Facebook!

Platforms

Stamp Out Stigma will be posting Mental Health Awareness Month content throughout the month. Be sure to follow Stamp Out Stigma to tune in and share:

Hashtag

#MentalHealthMonth

URL

stampoutstigma.com/mentalhealthmonth

Sample Posts

• Is someone you know in crisis? Stay with them until you can get help. Call, text, or chat 988. #988lifeline #MentalHealthMonth
  

• During Mental Health Awareness Month, let your network know how to help someone in need. Everyone can help someone in need by reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  

• Did you know nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year? Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ehnuOd. #MentalHealthMonth
  

• Roughly 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ehnuOd. #MentalHealthMonth
  

• Your voice is powerful. 💚 Share your mental health journey and show others they're not alone. Together, we can create a community of support and understanding. #MentalHealthMonth https://stampoutstigma.com/shareyourstory.

• Boundaries are a form of self-care—they protect us physically and emotionally. You are worthy of peace. ✨

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Graphics

Share some of our graphics below, and don’t forget to tag us at @StampStigma on Twitter/X or @StampStigma on Facebook. You can also use the hashtag #MentalHealthMonth and link to stampoutstigma.com/mentalhealthmonth.

Short video content

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