Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Here are the Mental Health Awareness Month Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month 2022, 2023, and beyond! 

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Mental health stigma occurs every day in every part of the country. Although resources are popping up all over the United States, the negative concept of using them lingers. It seems seeking help for your mental health is not as championed as seeking help for your physical health. May is mental health awareness month! During the month of May, we encourage awareness and stomping out stigma. However, many are struggling and are uncertain of where to turn to where they will be safe, not experience judgment and get the help they need to ease their symptoms.

Education is important, knowing how to reach out to resources is important, and having a list of these supportive services should be written down and either placed in your toolbox or on display in your home so that you remember you are NOT alone and that there are options for you to improve your mind and live happily.

In our community, we have a resource guide that is available not only for providers but for consumers as well. I suggest reaching out to your local Social Services offices to ask about any directories that may be available, listing the resources in your community. 

Nationally, there are some very important organizations that have formulated many tools, self-help groups, and small classes that are available to you. These can even be done in the comfort of your own home. Here are the mental health awareness month resources 2023 that I have listed.

NAMI  –  Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

The first mental health resource that is not only known nationally but has also been establishing local chapters is NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness. This is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization; its mission is to better the lives of millions of Americans that are affected by mental health. NAMI has a helpline that is available Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; 1-800-950-NAMI. 

When you visit the NAMI website, you will see information sheets, online classes, family classes, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved, along with ways they are working on a daily basis at the state and national levels to make changes to the mental health system.  

Crisis Text Line – Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

The Crisis Text Line is available to anyone in the United States 24/7. Text 741741 and you will be able to start communicating with someone that is trained to help you work through a crisis. 

This is a suicide prevention tool that has been put in place to provide hope, help, and support.

SAMHSA– Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This is an agency within the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA leads in public health efforts to improve behavioral health by reducing substance abuse and mental health that impacts communities all over America. 

Check out www.samhsa.gov again for more information sheets, educational handouts, and resources in your community.

DBT– Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Marsha Linehan is an American Psychologist and author. She is the creator of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, which combines concepts of acceptance and mindfulness. DBT is a series of lessons designed to assist you with processing emotions, behaviors, and thoughts that help us stay in your “Wise mind” by being proactive instead of reactive. 

You can find these books online or reach out to your therapist if you feel this would be a tool that may benefit your mental health and relationships.

WRAP– Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Mary Ellen Copeland designed a recovery model called the “WRAP”, Wellness Recovery Action Plan. WRAP is generally led in a group process however can be completed individually as well. 

There are 5 key concepts of WRAP: Hope, Personal responsibility, Education, Self-advocacy, and support. As you work through the lessons provided you will begin to put together an action plan that is put in place to manage your mental health, reduce relapse, improve support and help you understand the triggers and warning signs you need to understand and be aware of regarding your mental health.

IMR– Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Illness Management and Recovery or IMR; is personalized skills and strategies for those with mental illness. This is an evidence-based practice designed to provide consumers with the knowledge and the tools necessary to manage their mental health and enhance their recovery. 

This is a series of modules that you will work through to understand yourself, your support, and what works best for you.

Healthieyoo– Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

Those are a few of the mental health awareness month resources for 2023 that myself and my agency use daily to assist and support those we serve in our community. These mental health resources can be easily obtained and utilized, whether you are working with your therapist or on your own at home.  They are user-friendly and easy to read. I hope that you will take the time to do your own research and start to find resources that will be most helpful for you.

You are never alone; mental health impacts every single one of us. These tools have been designed to improve your quality of life. You do not always have to be in survival mode. There is hope and smiles right around the corner. Along with educating yourself, my hope is that you pay attention to those around you. We all know someone that is experiencing some hard times and difficult mental health symptoms. It can be hard for all of us to reach out for support. But as you educate yourself, educate those around you as well. If we all do our part and start reaching out to those around us, imagine the impact we will make by stomping out stigma and making mental health awareness a force to be reckoned with so that no one will suffer alone and sunny days are ahead of us.

The mental health awareness month resources 2023 that I have provided you with are just a few of hundreds that are available. Accessibility can be a challenge but don’t give up, and in the meantime, find your support team and keep them close. The world is a beautiful place waiting for you to explore it. Put one foot in front of the other and start building your toolbox today.