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Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed since 1949. For more than 20 years, SAMHSA has joined that tradition every May, raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting the individuals and communities who need it most.

Check out what SAMHSA is doing, share our materials, and remember that we all play vital roles in caring for our mental health!

The Toolkit is a One-Stop Shop

The toolkit offers comprehensive resources in a central location that you can download and share. Some content can be customized for the needs of your audiences. The toolkit includes:

  • Key messages and themes for each week in May.
  • Social media content, graphics, and promotional materials designed for your audiences and media channels.
  • Messaging that encourages acceptance and support of people living with a mental illness.
  • Best practices for supportive and beneficial discussions about mental health.
  • Additional resources for increasing awareness about mental health in May and beyond.

How to Use the Toolkit

The toolkit can help you spread awareness about the importance of mental health and its effects on physical and emotional well-being.

  • Copy, download, and share our social messages, graphics, and promotional materials in ways that fit the needs of your audiences and channels.
  • Use our hashtags when sharing content related to Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Use our tools and the actions recommended in Best Practices to engage with your communities and networks.

2026 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

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Overall Theme: See the Person. Support the Journey.

Mental health is part of everyday life. It shapes how we think, feel, connect with others, and move through the world. This year’s theme highlights the importance of:

  • Noticing early signs of mental health concerns
  • Strengthening the support around us
  • Responding with care and compassion during challenging moments

Mental health touches every part of life — from housing and work to relationships and community. When mental health challenges arise, they often intersect with substance use, and whole person care that addresses both is essential to lasting recovery and well-being.

These key messages and weekly themes are your starting point. Sample social media shareables are also included. Please feel free to use them as-is or adapt for your audience.

Week 1 (May 1 – 8): Understanding Mental Illness, Including Serious Mental Illness: Awareness Leads to Compassion.

  • Mental illnesses are medical conditions involving changes in emotion, appetite, thinking, or behavior that can affect daily functioning.
  • Serious mental illness can substantially interfere with major life activities, including work, school, relationships, and self-care.
  • Economic instability, housing insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare can increase stress and worsen mental health conditions.
  • Chronic stress related to financial hardship or unstable housing can contribute to the development or worsening of serious mental illness.
  • Early support, including access to stable housing, employment assistance, healthcare, and community programs, improves long-term stability and well-being.
  • When people feel respected and understood, they are more likely to seek care and remain connected to services.

Week 2 (May 11 – 15): Early Support Matters: Recognizing Signs in Children and Youth

  • Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice changes. Paying attention to patterns, having open conversations, and connecting children and teens to support early can make a meaningful difference.
  • Changes in mood, sleep, appetite, thinking, or behavior may signal the need for support.
  • Most serious mental illnesses begin in young adulthood.
  • Exposure to trauma can affect long-term mental health.
  • Timely assessment and access to services improve outcomes.
  • Community awareness strengthens early identification and support.
  • Young people thrive when support comes early. Asking for help on behalf of a child, teen, or young adult is an act of protection and advocacy.

Week 3 (May 18 – 22): Words Matter and Words Can Heal

  • Language that recognizes the whole person helps people feel respected and valued.
  • When we choose our words thoughtfully, we create space for connection to care.
  • Respectful communication is especially important during times of transition, including housing instability or reentry into the community.
  • Coordinated, compassionate support helps reduce disruptions in care.
  • Trust grows through clear and thoughtful conversation.

Week 4 (May 25 – 29): Supporting Loved Ones: Connection Is a Powerful Form of Care

  • Understanding serious mental illness helps you respond with empathy and confidence.
  • Feeling heard and respected can be deeply supportive. Listening with compassion makes a difference.
  • When someone you love is living with a serious mental illness, steady presence and compassion matter most.
  • Maintaining healthy, clear boundaries protects both you and your loved one.
  • Caring for yourself matters. Seeking support when you need it helps you show up with steadiness and compassion.

Woman standing outside a brain with cogs in it. Text: Understanding Mental Illness. Awareness Leads to Compassion

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health conditions are medical conditions and people living with them are more than a diagnosis. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, let’s lead with understanding. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 1 - Post 1 (MP4 | 840 KB)

Woman holding mug while typing on laptop. Three heads floating at the top with text under each: Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia. Text: Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Includes. People with SMI can: Manage their condition, Overcome Challenges, Lead Meaningful Productive Lives

Post Copy - All Platforms: Serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression are medical conditions, not personal failures. Learning helps increase understanding. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson

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 Week 1 - Post 2 (MP4 | 1.2 MB)

Images of three heads with person standing beside pointing to puzzle pieces, scribbles and flowers inside each head. Text: Support. Understand. Nurture

Post Copy - All Platforms: Supporting someone living with a serious mental illness starts with understanding. Learning about mental health conditions can help you respond with empathy and confidence. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/managing-life #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson

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 Week 1 - Post 3 (MP4 | 357 KB)

Group sitting in a meeting. One person is in a wheelchair. Text: Mental health challenges can affect anyone.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health conditions can affect anyone. Compassion, understanding, and access to care can make a meaningful difference. There is treatment available: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/locators/esmi #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 1 - Post 4 (PNG | 327 KB)

Woman sitting in front of a laptop chatting with health care professionals. Text: With integrated care, a more complete recovery is possible for people with co-occurring disorders.

Post Copy - All Platforms: More than 1 in 4 adults with serious mental health conditions also experiences a substance use issue. These two are often part of the same story. Whole-person care addresses both. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/co-occurring-disorders #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson #WholePersonCare

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 Week 1 - Post 5 (PNG | 270 KB)

Mother and pre-teen daughter hugging. Text: Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice when something feels different.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice when something feels different. Changes in mood, sleep, appetite or behavior may signal a young person needs support. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SeeThePerson

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 Week 2 - Post 1 (PNG | 280 KB)

A mother and son sitting on couch talking. Text: Sometimes the Most Important Step is Listening. Mental Health Awareness Month logo.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Sometimes the most important step is listening. Taking time to listen to the concerns of a young person in your life can help them feel safe sharing what they’re experiencing. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHAM2026

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 Week 2 - Post 2 (PNG | 332 KB)

Young family jumping up and down with hearts over their heads. Text: Young People Thrive When Support Comes Early. Mental Health Awareness Month logo.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Young people thrive when support comes early. Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help children and teens feel supported in reaching out. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk/young-people #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 2 - Post 3 (MP4 |3.4 MB)

Mother and teen daughter talking. Thought bubble text: Open Conversations Build Trust and Resilience in Kids and Youth.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Supporting youth mental health is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, healthcare providers, and communities all play a role in early identification and support. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 2 - Post 4 (MP4 | 790 KB)

Man standing next to figure of a head with celebration icons coming out of the top. Text: Recovery is possible for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.

Post Copy - All Platforms: If someone you love faces a mental health condition and substance use challenges, you are not alone and neither are they. Support exists for the whole family. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson #WholePersonCare

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 Week 2 - Post 5 (MP4 | 2.3 MB)

Two women sitting and talking. Text: Compassionate conversations supports compassionate care.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Language matters. Choosing supportive words can help people feel seen, heard, and respected. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026 #WordsMatter

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 Week 3 - Post 1 (MP4 | 211 KB)

Group of people standing arm in arm. Text: Celebrate the people and moments that nuture your well-being.

Post Copy - All Platforms: When we focus on the person and not the diagnosis, we create more supportive conversations about mental health. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026 #SupportMatters

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 Week 3 - Post 2 (PNG | 311 KB)

Man in woman waving at each other. Text: Words Matter. Words Can Heal.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health touches every one of us either directly or through someone we love. Let’s commit to talking about it with the care and honesty it deserves. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SeeThePerson

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 Week 3 - Post 3 (PNG | 314 KB)

Two women sitting with laptops on their laps and thought bubbles above their heads. Text: Speaking with compassion makes a difference.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Respectful communication about mental health is especially important during times of transition, including housing instability or reentry into the community. Compassionate words signal safety when people need it most. https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/permanent-supportive-housing-evidence-based-practices-ebp-kit #MHAM2026 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

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 Week 3 - Post 4 (PNG | 286 KB)

Two men talking. Text: Recovery is possible with the right support.

Post Copy - All Platforms: When we understand mental health challenges can be at the root of addiction, we start asking 'how can we help?’ with no judgement. That question alone can make a big difference. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson #WholePersonCare

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 Week 3 - Post 5 (PNG | 325 KB)

Group of people high fiving. Text: Support your loved ones. Mental Health Awareness Month logo.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Supporting someone living with a serious mental illness starts with understanding. Learning about mental health conditions can help you respond with empathy and confidence. Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 4 - Post 1 (PNG | 404 KB)

A woman watering a head with plants coming out of it. Text: Mental health is for everyone. There is hope. There is help.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Being there for someone through a difficult moment can include helping them connect to support. 988 is available 24/7. Call or text anytime, anywhere in the U.S. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Learn more: 988lifeline.org #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026

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 Week 4 - Post 2 (PNG | 384 KB)

A woman watering a head with plants coming out of it. A man standing beside the pot holding a heart. Text: Recovery is possible with the right support.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Someone you love may face both a mental condition and a substance use challenge. They deserve steady support, starting with you. When more is needed, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 anywhere in the U.S. Learn more: 988lifeline.org #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson

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 Week 4 - Post 3 (PNG | 569 KB)

Text on a green background: Recovery is Possible. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 988Lifeline.org; Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1) Text 838255; SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357); Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990; FindSupport.gov; FindTreatment.gov

Post Copy - All Platforms: Healing from mental health and substance use issues is not just the absence of symptoms. It is a stable home, meaningful connection, and the tools to move forward. That is the promise of whole-person care. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support #MHAM2026 #SeeThePerson #WholePersonCare

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 Week 4 - Post 4 (PNG | 1.2 MB)

Older couple jogging. Text: Health Aging Includes Mental Health.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Good mental health is a component of healthy aging & essential to a high quality of life for all ages. Learn how to support #MentalHealth of older adults in your life. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope/older-adults #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

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  Older Adults 1 (PNG | 394 KB)

Two older adults sitting in a circular swing. Text: Mental Health Matters At Every Age.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health matters at every age. Life changes as we grow older can impact well-being—but support is always available. Learn how to care for yourself or a loved one and find help: samhsa.gov/communities/older-adults #SeeThePerson #MHAM2026 #MentalHealthMatters

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  Older Adults 2 (PNG | 290 KB)

A son talking to his dad on the phone. Text: It's okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Older adults face unique mental health challenges—from grief and isolation to physical health changes. The right support, resources, and connection can make a difference. Explore tools and help: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope/older-adults #MHAM2026 #MentalHealthMatters

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  Older Adults 3 (PNG | 211 KB)

Mental Health Awareness Month Faith Resources

Materials include:

  • A Faith Leader Announcement to adapt as needed 
  • Talking Points aligned to this month's themes 
  • A Guide on How to Start a Mental Health Conversation

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  Resources for Faith Communities (PDF | 844 KB)

Woman sitting in the yoga lotus pose with eyes closed. Text: Faith. Hope. Healing.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental illness is a medical condition. This May, communities of faith and faith-based organizations can lead the way: learn the signs, help screen, and know where to refer: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/health-care-or-support #MHAM2026 #FaithAndMentalHealth

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  Faith-Based Content - Week 1 (PNG | 155 KB)

Butterflies in the grass. Text: Faith Supports Healing. Mental Health Awareness Month logo.

Post Copy - All Platforms: A faith leader. A Sunday school teacher. A trusted elder. You may be the first person a child dealing with mental health challenges turns to. We have tools to help you respond. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders #MHAM2026 #FaithAndMentalHealth

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  Faith-Based Content - Week 2 (PNG | 763 KB)

Woman sitting in lotus pose, with butterflies and the sun around her. Text: Hope, healing, and help are within reach.

Post Copy - All Platforms: The words we use about mental health in our small groups, our hallway conversations or our sermons shape whether someone feels safe enough to ask for help. This May, let’s choose words that open doors: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk #MHAM2026 #FaithAndMentalHealth

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  Faith-Based Content - Week 3 (MP4 | 684 KB)

Animation: Hands stacked on top of each other. Text: Connection is a powerful form of care.

Post Copy - All Platforms: When healthcare, faith communities, and neighbors work together, more people find a path to healing. This May, we celebrate the partnerships that make whole person care possible. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health #MHAM2026 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CommunityHeals

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  Faith-Based Content - Week 3 (MP4 | 2 MB)

Animation: Image of a brain with left side turning into butterflies. Text: Mind. Body.Spirit.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Walking alongside someone through the hard seasons without trying to fix it, is one of the most powerful things a faith community can offer. We have resources for you: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help #MHAM2026 #FaithAndMentalHealth

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  Faith-Based Content - Week 4 (MP4 | 572 KB)

Happy Mother's Day written on a white circle surrounded by colorful flowers. Text: Happy Mother’s Day!

Post Copy - All Platforms: Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures in our lives! 💐Today we recognize all that you do for others and remind you that your well-being matters too! 💝 If you are struggling: findsupport.gov #SelfCare #HappyMothersDay

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  Mother's Day Post (MP4 | 6.7 MB)

An American flag awareness ribbon appears above the text: Memorial Day. Remember and honor. Remembering their sacrifice. Supporting veterans. Get help by calling or texting 9 8 8 or chatting 9 8 8 lifeline dot org.

Post Copy - All Platforms: This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. To veterans facing grief, crisis, or trauma, you are not alone. Support is available: 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans #MemorialDay #SupportforVeterans #MHAM2026

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  Memorial Day Post (MP4 | 1.1 MB)

Use the following hashtags to tie Mental Health Awareness Month-related content together. Using these hashtags will serve as a unifying thread for social media content related to MHAM, making it easy for people to find and follow the conversations:

  • #MHAM2026 (primary hashtag)
  • #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
  • #SeeThePerson
  • #MentalHealthAwareness
  • #MentalHealthMatters
  • #SupportMatters
  • #WordsMatter
  • #FaithAndMentalHealth

Best Practices

  • Use the Key Messages: Please use the key messages that we’ve provided in your content, such as reminding your followers that mental health conditions are medical conditions deserving of compassion and care, and that early support for children, youth, and families can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.
  • Incorporate the Weekly Themes: Each week of Mental Health Awareness Month has a different theme, and you can tailor your content accordingly. For example, during Week 1, encourage your followers to learn about serious mental illness and respond with understanding rather than stigma. During Week 3, share examples of person-first, recovery-affirming language that helps people feel safe enough to ask for help.
  • Tag SAMHSA: Please tag us in your social media content to show your support and to potentially be reposted by SAMHSA.
  • Use the Hashtags: Please use the provided official hashtags, including #MHAM2026, #SeeThePerson, #MentalHealthAwareness, #MentalHealthMatters, #SupportMatters, #WordsMatter, and #FaithAndMentalHealth. These hashtags will help promote SAMHSA's key messages and make it easier for people to find and engage in conversation.
  • Promote Resources: Please promote our resources to share important information about mental health awareness and support for individuals, families, and communities living with or affected by mental health conditions.
  • Engage Faith and Community Partners: Communities of faith and faith-based organizations are trusted voices in the communities we serve. Share our faith-specific resources and encourage partners to carry MHAM 2026 messaging into their networks and community gatherings.

Additional Resources

Faith-Based Resources

Homelessness Programs and Criminal and Juvenile Justice

Partner Resources

Last Updated: 05/04/2026
Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month?utm_source=SAMHSA&utm_campaign=c4091c9ad2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_03_16_03_50_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-429f75b745-445307843