May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention to the importance of mental well-being. Throughout this month, individuals and organizations step up to raise awareness of and help address the challenges faced by people living with mental health conditions. It’s a crucial time to foster open dialogues, cultivate empathy and prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame.
Join the Employee Assistance Program for our tabling event from 10 a.m. to noon May 15 at the Nebraska Union Plaza. We will be celebrating and building community together!
Here are some ways you can participate in Mental Health Awareness Month:
- Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness campaign by spotlighting their signature programs. These programs include NAMI Basics, NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Family and Friends, NAMI Homefront, NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Support Groups and the invaluable NAMI HelpLine. The HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members, caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. Let’s break the stigma together! You can find more information and resources on the NAMI Mental Health Awareness Month webpage.
- Throughout May, share why or how you are taking moments to prioritize your mental health. Use the hashtag #TakeAMentalHealthMoment in your posts. NAMI encourages everyone to participate and tag them at @NAMICommunicate on Instagram, Threads and X, and @NAMI on LinkedIn, TikTok and Facebook.
- Wear a green ribbon! It is the international symbol of mental health awareness and shows our shared commitment to mental health. The UNL Employee Assistance Program office has plenty to share! You can find us online.
Remember, your mental health journey starts with a single moment. Let’s collectively work toward destigmatizing mental health and supporting one another on this important path.
