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Millions of American's lives are impacted daily by mental health conditions. To show our support, NAMI participates in several annual mental health awareness events.

Participating in a local or national NAMI event is a great way to help increase understanding of the complexity of mental illness. Through these events, we can expel myths, educate the public and show support for the many people affected by mental health conditions.

May

Mental Health Month

During Mental Health Month, NAMI joins the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

In May, NAMI joins communities around the country during National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day to shine a light on the mental health needs of America's youth.

July

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell   National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month  in honor of the leading African American novelist and journalist. Bebe was a voice for individuals and families of color affected by mental Illness - and NAMI continues her work by spreading awareness of the barriers of minority mental health and sharing stories from diverse communities.

September

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. NAMI observes these events by talking about suicide prevention and promoting resources and awareness, including: how you can help others and how to talk about suicide.

October

Mental Illness Awareness Week

In 1990, Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined NAMI in the effort to educate the public about mental illness.

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Millions of American's lives are impacted daily by mental health conditions. To show our support, NAMI participates in several annual mental health awareness events. Participating in a local or national NAMI event is a great way to help increase understanding of the complexity of mental illness.

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May is Mental Health Month 2018

When we talk about health, we can't just focus on heart health, or liver health, or brain health, and not whole health. You have to see the whole person, and make use of the tools and resources that benefit minds and bodies together. That's why this year, our May is Mental Health Month theme is Fitness #4Mind4Body. We'll focus on what we as individuals can do to be fit for our own futures - no matter where we happen to be on our own personal journeys to health and wellness - and, most especially, before Stage 4.

Learn more about:

As part of our efforts this May, we're asking you to take the #4Mind4Body Challenge and join Mental Health America as we challenge ourselves each day to make small changes - both physically and mentally - to create huge gains for our overall health and wellbeing. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or visit mentalhealthamerica.net/challenge for the challenge of the day and share your progress and successes by posting with #4Mind4Body.

Prepare yourself to make changes for a healthier lifestyle by using our Change is Hard worksheets.

Visit mentalhealthamerica.net/4mind4body to see what others are doing as part of the challenge!

The Toolkit

In this year's toolkit, you will find a range of materials, including:

Fact sheets on how mental health is affected by diet and nutrition, sleep, stress, gut health, and exercise;

Worksheets on making life changes;

A promotional poster, sample social media posts with images, and web banners;

A sample press release and a drop-In article; and a sample proclamation for public officials to recognize May as Mental Health Month and the work of local mental health advocates.

Fill out the brief online form to gain access to the toolkit.
Interested in learning more about the brain-body connection? Sign up for MHA's 2018 Annual Conference, Fit for the Future.

2017 Toolkit

Download the 2017 toolkit here.

2016 Toolkit

Download the 2016 toolkit here.

Discover what people say mental illness feels like.

2015 Toolkit

Download the 2015 toolkit here.

2014 Toolkit

Download the entire toolkit in a zipped folder.

2013 Toolkit
Download the Media Materials
Download the Fact Sheets,

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When we talk about health, we can't just focus on heart health, or liver health, or brain health, and not whole health. You have to see the whole person, and make use of the tools and resources that benefit minds and bodies together. That's why this year, our May is Mental Health Month theme is Fitness #4Mind4Body.