May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

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

The Toolkit is a One-Stop Shop

  • Social media content to help spread awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our well-being, promote acceptance and support of anyone living with a mental illness, and share key resources.
  • Best practices for engaging in healthy discussions about mental health.
  • Promotional materials for mental health awareness in May and beyond.

Our toolkit was created with our partners in mind. All of our materials are designed to be shared with your audiences and across your media channels; they are downloadable and shareable, and some of the material is customizable.

How to Use the Toolkit

  • 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, including #MHAM2023, when sharing any Mental Health Awareness Month–related content.
  • Use our tools in tandem with the actions recommended in Best Practices with your communities and networks.

Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

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The key messages and weekly themes outlined below provide a foundation from which partners can develop messages that resonate with their specific audiences.

Feel free to use the themes and key messages to develop your own posts throughout the month. If you prefer, pre-crafted social media content is also available.

Week 1: May 1-7

The focus this week will be on spreading acceptance and support for the people we know and love who are experiencing mental health challenges.

Key messages:

When it comes to mental health, small actions equal big impact.

  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Talking about mental health helps promote acceptance and encourages people to seek help.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help, or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help others to reach out when they need to most.

Week 2: May 8-14

The focus will be on strategies for managing mental health, such as self-care. Tell us: What does self-care look like to you?

Key messages:

Self-care is important for your mental health.

  • Despite life’s stressors, there are many things that you can do to maintain positive mental health, including self-care.
  • Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life.
  • When you take care of yourself, your physical and emotional health improve; you become more resilient and can find ways to manage stress in a healthy and positive way.
  • Taking care of yourself is an essential part of your mental health. What does self-care look like to you?

Week 3: May 15-21

The focus this week will be on promoting acceptance and compassion surrounding mental illness. Language matters; let’s work together to use person-first language and avoid derogatory terms.

Key messages:

We play a part in one another’s mental wellness.

  • Language matters. The language we use to talk about mental health can either perpetuate prejudice and discrimination or promote acceptance and compassion. When it comes to mental health, words matter.
  • It is up to each of us to be a lifeline, sharing in a commitment to care for ourselves and those around us.
  • When we use open and compassionate language around mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need.

Week 4: May 22-28

This week, our goal will be to encourage individuals to seek help if they need it, as well as showing the importance of supporting others by offering words of encouragement and celebrating small successes.

Key messages:

Let’s support each other and make it okay to reach out and seek help whenever we need it.

  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another.
  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help other to reach out when they need it most.

Week 5: May 29-31

We will end the month by focusing on hope and positivity and supporting one another by sharing key resources during May and beyond.

Key messages:

No matter the situation, there is always help and there is always hope.

  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another.
  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help other to reach out when they need it most.

Download sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources to post and share during Mental Health Awareness Month here:

Spreading Acceptance and Support

Five young adults are walking together with their arms around each other. The text reads, “Embrace authenticity.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Cinco jóvenes caminando juntos abrazados. El texto dice “Abraza la autenticidad”. El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

English Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Being your authentic self is essential for good mental health. Let’s remind our LGBTQIA+ youth that they are never alone, and that help is available when they need it. If you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed, call, text, or chat 988 for judgment-free support 24/7. #988Lifeline #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #mentalhealthmatters

English Post Copy - Twitter: Being your authentic self is essential for good mental health. Let’s remind our LGBTQIA+ youths that they are never alone, and that help is available. If you are feeling distressed, call, text, or chat 988 for support 24/7. #988Lifeline #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #mentalhealthmatters

English Alt-text: Five young adults are walking together with their arms around each other. The text reads, “Embrace authenticity.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Spanish Post Copy - All Platforms: Ser auténtico es esencial para una buena salud mental. Les recordamos a la juventud LGBTQIA+ y que nunca están solos y que hay ayuda disponible cuando la necesitan. Si sientes angustia o dolor emocional intenso o abrumador, llama o textea: 988 o chatea: 988lifeline.org para apoyo que no te juzga #988 #JuntosParaLaSaludMental #MHAM2023 #LaSaludMentalEsImportante #MesDeLaSaludMental

Spanish Alt-text: Cinco jóvenes caminando juntos abrazados. El texto dice “Abraza la autenticidad”. El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

Download & Share

 Embrace Authenticity Video (MP4 | 60 KB)

 Abraza la Autenticidad Video (MP4 | 60 KB)

Two animated characters talking on a couch, with text that reads, “Our Words Matter. Choose words that promote understanding, respect, and compassion. Learn more.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Dos personajes animados hablando en un sofá con texto que dice: “Nuestras Palabras Importan. Usemos palabras que promuevan la comprensión, el respeto, y la compasión. Aprenda más.” El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

English Post Copy - All Platforms: #MHAM2023 Our words matter. Get tips on how to start a conversation about mental health with a friend or loved one: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family-members #Together4MH

English Alt-text: Two animated characters talking on a couch, with text that reads, “Our Words Matter. Choose words that promote understanding, respect, and compassion. Learn more.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Spanish Post Copy - All Platforms: Nuestras palabras importan. Para consejos acerca de cómo conversar sobre la salud mental con tus amigos o seres queridos, visita: Aprende más: samhsa.gov/salud-mental/hablar/amigos-familiares #PalabrasImportan #JuntosParaLaSaludMental #MHAM2023 #MesDeLaSaludMental

Spanish Alt-text: Dos personajes animados hablando en un sofá con texto que dice: “Nuestras Palabras Importan. Usemos palabras que promuevan la comprensión, el respeto, y la compasión. Aprenda más.” El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

Download & Share

 Ours Words Matter Video (MP4 | 352 KB)

 Nuestras Palabras Importan Video (MP4 | 359 KB)

Two happy animated characters talk on a couch while holding hot beverages, with text that reads, “Take care of your loved ones. Check in on their mental health.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: Take care of your friends and your loved ones by checking in on them and having open conversations about mental health. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family-members #MHAM2023 #ACF #MHAM2023 #mentalhealthmatters

Alt-text: Two happy animated characters talk on a couch while holding hot beverages, with text that reads, “Take care of your loved ones. Check in on their mental health.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Take Care of Your Loved Ones Post Graphic (PNG | 163 KB)

There are two photographs, one with two young women laughing together and one with two teen girls walking in a school. Text next to the pictures reads, “Strong. Unique. Resilient.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: This National Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our Tribal youth of your resilience and uniqueness. You deserve to be happy and healthy. Reach out, connect with others. Find your support system: FindSupport.gov. 🤝 #Together4MH #NMHAM #TribalYouth ✨

Alt-text: There are two photographs, one with two young women laughing together and one with two teen girls walking in a school. Text next to the pictures reads, “Strong. Unique. Resilient.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

Strong. Unique. Resilient. Graphic (PNG | 359 KB)

Two women who are part of a support circle are sitting next to each other by a window, with text that reads, “Support makes a difference.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: 👋 Hey Gen-Z, let’s talk about mental health! 💬 It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s important to reach out for help when you need it. Take the opportunity to talk to your friends about mental health and support each other. Find resources to help you right now. FindSupport.gov. 🙌 #MHAM2023 #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth

Post Copy - Twitter: Hey Gen-Z! It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s important to reach out for help. Take the opportunity to talk to your friends about mental health and support each other. Find resources to help you right now. FindSupport.gov. #MHAM2023 #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth

Alt-text: Two women who are part of a support circle are sitting next to each other by a window, with text that reads, “Support makes a difference.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

Support Makes a Difference Video (MP4 | 5.1 MB)

Two animated characters are hugging. Above them, text reads, “We see you. We hear you. We are here for you. FindSupport.gov.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: #MHAM2023 We see you 👁️, we hear you 👂, and we are here for you. Start your journey to better mental health today. Visit: FindSupport.gov. 💚 #MHAM2023 #Together4MH

Alt-text: Two animated characters are hugging. Above them, text reads, “We see you. We hear you. We are here for you. FindSupport.gov.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

We see you. We hear you. We are here for you. Graphic (PNG | 56 KB)

Download sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources to post and share during Mental Health Awareness Month here:

Strategies for Managing Mental Health/Self-Care

An animated character rests in a hammock, with text that reads, “Rest. Regroup. Recharge.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: It’s okay to take a break when you need it. This #MHAM, prioritize self-care and take time to recharge. Your mental health is important and seeking support when you need it is vital. Call, chat, or text 988 for free, confidential, judgment-free support 24/7. #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #988Lifeline

Post Copy - Twitter: It’s okay to take a break when you need it. This #MHAM, prioritize self-care. Your mental health is important and seeking support when you need it is vital. Call, chat, or text 988 for free, confidential, judgment-free support 24/7. #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #988Lifeline

Alt-text: An animated character rests in a hammock, with text that reads, “Rest. Regroup. Recharge.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Rest. Regroup. Recharge. Post Graphic (PNG | 105 KB)

Two animated characters are talking on a couch, with text that reads, “Talking to your child about their mental health can make all the difference. #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Dos personajes animados hablando en un sofá con texto que dice “El hablar tus hijos sobre su salud mental puede marcar toda la diferencia” El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

English Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This is a special day for all of us to recognize that our children’s mental health matters! When a child is experiencing mental health challenges it impacts their family as well. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7. If a young person in your life is going through a tough time, remind them that there’s always help and hope. #NCMHAD #Together4MH #988Lifeline #ACF

English Post Copy - Twitter: Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Parents and caregivers, check in on your kids in an open, judgment-free way. If they are feeling overwhelmed, help is available. Call, chat, or text 988 for 24/7 support. #NCMHAD #ACF #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay

English Alt-text: Two animated characters are talking on a couch, with text that reads, “Talking to your child about their mental health can make all the difference. #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Spanish Post Copy - All Platforms: Hoy es el Día Nacional de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental de Niños. ¡La salud mental de nuestros niños es importante! Cuando un niño experimenta condiciones de salud mental, también afecta a su familia. Llama o textea: 988 o chatea: 988lifeline.org para asistencia gratuita y confidencial 24/7. #NCMHAD #JuntosPorLaSaludMental #988 #MesDeLaSaludMental

Spanish Alt-text: Dos personajes animados hablando en un sofá con texto que dice “El hablar tus hijos sobre su salud mental puede marcar toda la diferencia” El logotipo en la esquina dice “Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental.”

Download & Share

 Children's Mental Health Awareness Day Video (MP4 | 151 KB)

 Día Nacional de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental de Niños Video (MP4 | 165 KB)

Download sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources to post and share during Mental Health Awareness Month here:

Promoting Acceptance and Compassion/Language Matters

Two animated characters are smiling and talking. Text above reads, “Language matters. Let’s use words that empower and support.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: It can be hard to talk about mental health. Get tips on starting the conversation with your friends, loved ones and your community: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk. #WordsMatter #Together4MH #MHAM2023

Alt-text: Two animated characters are smiling and talking. Text above reads, “Language matters. Let’s use words that empower and support.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Language Matters Post Graphic (PNG | 119 KB)

A diverse group of over 20 smiling animated characters is gathered. Text above reads, “Let’s work together to improve mental health care access for all.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: #MHAM2023 Support the national dialogue around mental health and learn ways to take action to improve mental health in your schools, communities, and families: samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders #Together4MH #acceptance

Alt-text: A diverse group of over 20 smiling animated characters is gathered. Text above reads, “Let’s work together to improve mental health care access for all.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Mental Health Care Access Post Graphic (PNG | 548 KB)

Download sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources to post and share during Mental Health Awareness Month here:

Seeking Help When You Need It/Supporting Others

Three animated characters surround a globe that has an image of a raised fist, with text that reads, “We see you. We hear you. We support you.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to recognize and support our Tribal youths. We see you, we hear you, and we support you on your journey to mental health and wellness. There’s help if you need it. Call, text, or chat 988. You are not alone. #988Lifeline #NMHAM #TribalYouth

Post Copy - Twitter: This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to recognize and support our Tribal youths. We see you, we hear you, and we support you on your journey to mental health. There’s help if you need it. Call, text, or chat 988. You are not alone. #988Lifeline #NMHAM #TribalYouth

Alt-text: Three animated characters surround a globe that has an image of a raised fist, with text that reads, “We see you. We hear you. We support you.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Tribal Youth Mental Health Post Graphic (PNG | 137 KB)

Download sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources to post and share during Mental Health Awareness Month here:

Spreading Hope and Positivity

Two happy animated characters hug in the sunshine, with text that reads, “You don’t have to go through anything alone.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Losing a loved one to mental health issues can leave families devastated and heartbroken. This #MHAM2023, let’s honor the memories of those we have lost and prevent others from managing their mental health challenges alone. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7. #GoldStarFamilies #Together4MH #988Lifeline

Post Copy - Twitter: This #MHAM2023, let’s honor the memories of those we have lost & prevent others from managing their mental health challenges alone. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, text, chat, or call 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. #GoldStarFamilies #Together4MH

Alt-text: Two happy animated characters hug in the sunshine, with text that reads, “You don’t have to go through anything alone.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 Losing a Loved One Post Graphic (PNG | 153 KB)

Two happy animated characters hug in the sunshine, with text that reads, “Connecting with others can help us heal. Find your support system. FindSupport.gov .” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: Start your journey to better mental health today and find your support system on FindSupport.gov. #Together4MH #MHAM2023

Alt-text: Two happy animated characters hug in the sunshine, with text that reads, “Connecting with others can help us heal. Find your support system. FindSupport.gov.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

Connecting with Others Can Help Us Heal. Graphic (PNG | 80 KB)

Two serious animated characters are sitting next to each other. The character on the left is leaning forward thoughtfully, and the character on the right has his hand on the shoulder of the one on the left. There’s a green ribbon above, and the text reads, “There’s always support and hope.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - All Platforms: No matter how tough things may seem right now, there is always help available. If you or someone you know is in distress or crisis, call #988 for immediate access to mental health services. #MHAM2023 #Together4MH

Alt-text: Two serious animated characters are sitting next to each other. The character on the left is leaning forward thoughtfully, and the character on the right has his hand on the shoulder of the one on the left. There’s a green ribbon above, and the text reads, “There’s always support and hope.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

 There's Always Support and Hope Graphic (PNG | 85 KB)

Three animated sihouettes of service members are holding an American flag, in an image reminiscent of the famous photograph of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Text reads, “Memorial Day. Remember and Honor.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: On Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We also send our support to those mourning a loved one today. Let’s come together and remember that there is always hope and help. Support is out there. Get started at FindSupport.gov. #Together4MH #MHAM2023

Post Copy - Twitter: On Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We also send our support to those mourning a loved one today. Let’s come together & remember that there is always hope & help. Support is out there. Get started at FindSupport.gov. #MHAM2023

Alt-text: Three animated silhouettes of service members are holding an American flag, in an image reminiscent of the famous photograph of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Text reads, “Memorial Day. Remember and Honor.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Download & Share

Memorial Day Graphic (PNG | 198 KB)

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

  • #MHAM2023 (primary hashtag)
  • #MentalHealthAwareness
  • #Together4MH
  • #acceptance
  • #WordsMatter
  • #YouMatter
  • #SelfCare

For a Spanish-speaking audience, please consider using these hashtags:

  • #JuntosParaLaSaludMental
  • #SaludMentalEsImportante
  • #bienestar
  • #equidad
  • #aceptación
  • #MesDeLaSaludMental

Best Practices

  • Tag SAMHSA: Please tag us in your social media content to show your support and to potentially be reposted by SAMHSA.
  • Use the Key Messages: Please use the key messages in your content, such as reminding your followers that self-care is important for one’s mental health and that when it comes to mental health, small actions (reaching out to a friend, sharing helpful resources) equal big impact.
  • 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 the first week, you could share personal stories or encourage your followers to speak up about their mental health, and during Week 2, you could share self-care tips or resources to get help and support, no matter the situation.
  • Use the Hashtags: Please use the official hashtags, including #MHAM2023, #MentalHealthAwareness, #Together4MH, #acceptance, #WordsMatter, #YouMatter, and #SelfCare. These hashtags help promote SAMHSA’s key messages and make it easier for people to find and engage with the conversation.
  • Promote Resources: Please promote our resources to provide important information and support for those experiencing or living with a mental illness.

To help you enhance your social media content, we have created a collection of custom stickers, available in our Giphy library. These stickers can be used on various social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Below are the instructions on how to access and use the stickers from our Giphy library directly through social media platforms:

Instagram Stories:

  • Open the Instagram app, and create a new story.
  • Tap the sticker icon (a smiley face) in the top right corner.
  • In the search bar, type @SAMHSAstickers.
  • Select the sticker you want to use, and place it on your story.

Facebook Stories:

  • Open the Facebook app, and create a new story.
  • Tap the sticker icon (a smiley face) in the top right corner.
  • In the search bar, type @SAMHSAstickers.
  • Select the sticker you want to use, and place it on your story.

Twitter:

  • Open the Twitter app, and create a new tweet.
  • Tap the “GIF” icon in the lower left corner of the screen.
  • In the search bar, type @SAMHSAstickers.
  • Select the sticker you want to use, and attach it to your tweet.

We hope you find these stickers helpful in engaging your audiences and promoting our shared mission.

Download

 #MHAM2023 Sticker (PNG | 301 KB)

Download

 Take Time for Yourself Sticker (PNG | 202 KB)

Download

 Mental Health Matters Sticker (PNG | 123 KB)

Download

 Self-Care is Important to Mental Health Sticker (PNG | 598 KB)

Download

 Mental Health Our Words Matter Sticker (PNG | 498 KB)
 

Spanish Stickers

Download

 El Autocuidado es Importante para la Salud Mental Sticker (PNG | 595 KB)

Download

 Salud Mental Nuestras Palabras Importan Sticker (PNG | 598 KB)

Download

 La Salud Mental Importa Sticker (PNG | 498 KB)
 

Inclusive language matters:

Additional Resources for Inclusive Language:

SAMHSA has developed a conversation guide (PDF | 98 KB) to support a friend or loved one by providing them with access to services for mental health or substance use. This guide helps start conversations respectfully and helps guide the friend or loved one to resources that could help.

Additional Resources for Conversations:

Last Updated: 05/08/2023
Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit