What is May Mental Health Awareness Month?

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when advocates and activists across the country draw attention to the mental health issues that affect as many as one in four Americans. Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 25 soldiers to suicide for every solider lost in combat.

Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when we work together to break through that stigma. We express compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues, and we draw attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better.

The Congressional Mental Health Caucus seeks to take this effort to the very highest levels of government by educating our lawmakers and administrators about mental health issues.

What is the Congressional Mental Health Caucus?

The bipartisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus is a group of 89 U.S. representatives who educate and update Congress on mental health. Throughout the month of May, the Caucus will host events in order to raise awareness among our nation’s lawmakers. Rep. Grace Napolitano is a Co-Chair of the Caucus.

Congressional Mental Health Caucus Events for May Mental Health Awareness Month:

April 26, 2012 - May Mental Health Awareness Month Online Twitter "Strategy Session." Join us on Twitter at 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time for a discussion of coming events and best practices for raising awareness in preparation for National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. All advocates and activists are invited - follow @gracenapolitano and use the official Mental Health Awareness Month hashtag #mhm2012 to participate.

May 9, 2012 – National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. The Congressional Mental Health Caucus will host an expert panel to update members of Congress and their staff on children’s mental health issues and potential legislative solutions.

May 16, 2012 – Military Mental Health Awareness Day. The Caucus will host a briefing about the ongoing mental health crisis in the military and what is being done to address it. Military agencies will also participate in a Mental Health Fair, which will showcase the latest mental health techniques and virtual reality technology.

May 30, 2012 – Mental Health Resources Briefing. Congressional staff will be given a mental health tool kit and educated about how they can help their constituents with mental health.

Materials related to these events will be posted online, and live video streams for some events will be available online. Please continue to check this web page for updates.