Mental Health Month

  • Mental Health Month is celebrated in May, in order to raise awareness and educate people about mental health and mental illness. It is a time to promote the importance of mental health, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and encourage people to seek help when they need it. The goal of Mental Health Month is to help people understand that mental illness is a common and treatable condition, and that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength rather than weakness. By promoting mental health education and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, Mental Health Month aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness and promote overall mental health and wellness. The Smyrna School District's DEI Committee has suggested the following resources to help others who are or know someone who is struggling with their mental health. 

    Need Help? If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

The History of Mental Health Month

  • Mental Health Awareness Month originated from Mental Health America, which was founded by Clifford W. Beers, William James, and Adolf Meyer. They created the National Committee for Mental Hygiene after recognizing the inadequate care provided to individuals with mental illness and aimed to address this issue. Mental Health Awareness Month was established to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote mental health education. In 1949, a mental health awareness month was established in order to remove the stigma associated with mental illnesses. This was mainly due to WWII, when there were increasing numbers of soldiers suffering from mental illness, which affected their moods, thinking, and behavior. The celebration of Mental Health Month began in the United States and has since spread to other countries around the world. Mental Health Month typically takes place in May each year, and during this time, various organizations and mental health professionals engage in activities and events to promote mental health awareness.

Check up on your mental health

  • Mental Health Test

    Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better. 

    This website is an informational resource. They are not a crisis support line. If you need immediate help, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the chatbox at 988lifeline.org/chat. Warmlines are an excellent place to for non-crisis support as well.

Resources

Understand Mental Health and Wellness

  • What is Mental Health?

  • Can Children have Mental Health Challenges?

  • Can Teens have Mental Health Challenges?

  • Challenge the Stigma

  • the impact of mental health awareness month

Sources

Reading List