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2024 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.

2024 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 posts throughout the month. Pre-crafted social media content is also available for each week.

Week 1: May 1-4 (Older Adults)

This week we highlight how to support the unique mental health needs of older adults.

Key messages:

As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health.

  • It’s never too late to get help.
  • It is important to remember that older adults may have different mental health symptoms. For example, a lack of interest in some activities.
  • Talking about mental health can help older adults feel more comfortable asking for support.
  • Mental health treatment can be part of a wellness program to help older adults live happy and fulfilling lives.
  • Mental health professionals can help older adults cope with life changes.
  • Friends and family can experience meaningful mutual connection by spending time visiting with older adults.
  • Mental health is important at every age. Spending time with friends and family can boost older adults’ mental and physical health.

Week 2: May 5-11 (Children and Teens)

This week’s focus is on resources to help children and teens build resilience, self-care strategies, and skills for managing life stressors in healthy ways.

Key messages:

Supportive families, communities, and resources can help youth build strong foundations for lifelong well-being.

  • By teaching children and teens coping skills, we can empower them to take charge of their mental health.
  • Know the signs of mental health issues in children and teens. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
  • Start the conversation early: talking about mental health can help children and teens build coping skills and feel comfortable with their emotions.
  • Nurturing relationships and environments are important for helping children and teens develop good mental health and manage life stressors in healthy ways.
  • Good mental health increases the ability of children and teens to practice self-care and face challenges with resilience.

Week 3: May 12-18 (Pregnant and Postpartum People)

This week, we focus on recognizing the importance of maternal mental health among pregnant and postpartum people.

Key messages:

Pregnancy and giving birth can be joyful and can also present a variety of strong emotions for pregnant and postpartum people.

  • Strong emotions may include feeling overwhelmed, scared, tired, worried, and inadequate. Depression, anxiety, and other symptoms during and after pregnancy are common and treatable. They affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level.
  • For many people, these feelings go away on their own, in time. But for some, these emotions are more serious and require assistance. Help is available. You are not alone. Asking for help can help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
  • Unaddressed maternal health issues can lead to pregnancy-related death and unintentional harm to you or your baby.
  • Proper self-care and seeking help when you need it can help you maintain good mental health.

Week 4: May 19-25 (Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups)

This week’s focus is on the unique challenges, strengths, and contexts that affect mental health in people from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Key messages:

Everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care.

  • Members of racial and ethnic minority groups experience challenges that may require unique mental health support.
  • Cultural differences should be respected and celebrated when providing mental health support.
  • Mental health care providers are encouraged to consider the cultural nuances and needs of the diverse communities they serve.
  • Addressing and reducing barriers to treatment are the first steps to building more equitable health systems.
  • Together, we can improve access to mental health care for people from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Week 5: May 26-31 (LGBTQIA+ Communities)

This week focuses on building support for mental well-being in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Key messages:

Inclusive families, schools, and societies can support mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Family support is important for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth: it can reduce their risk for depression, substance use, suicide, and other mental health challenges.
  • Schools and workplaces can protect LGTBQIA+ people by building more supportive and inclusive environments.
  • Social support, including from friends, families, and communities can help LGBTQIA+ people feel loved and accepted.
  • Peer support can be a lifeline for LGTBQIA+ people facing mental health issues.
  • Acknowledging and celebrating the identity of LGTBQIA+ people help build their self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Downloadable sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources supporting Older Adults' Mental Health.

English Post Copy - All Platforms: Age joyfully! Consider your passions and interests and pursue something that brings you happiness and fulfillment. Remember that mental health support is available to you if you need it. Visit samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults to learn more. #MHAM2024

Download & Share

 Week 1 - Post 1 (PNG | 484 KB)

English Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Staying engaged is great for mental well-being, especially when we are older. Nurturing your connections with loved ones, joining a social group, or volunteering for something you care about is helpful to feel active and connected. Embracing movement through walks, yoga, or dancing also benefits both body and mind. Challenging yourself with brain teasers, exploring a new hobby, or learning something new helps to keep the mind sharp. Remember, if you need mental health support, a doctor or therapist is also an option. samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults. #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

English Post Copy - X: Mental well-being is key for older adults. Don’t let age slow you down. Nurture your connections, join a social group, or consider volunteering to keep feeling active. If you need mental health support, seeking help is always an option. samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults #MHAM2024

Download & Share

 Week 1 - Post 2 (PNG | 596 KB)

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Reach out to an older friend or loved one and remind them that you see them 👀, hear them 👂, and support them 💕. #MentalHealthAwareness is part of healthy aging. Start the conversation. samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthAwareness

Post Copy - X: May is #MHAM2024. Reach out to an older friend or loved one and remind them that you: 👀 See them, 👂 Hear them, and 💕 Support them. #MentalHealthAwareness is part of healthy aging. samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults #MentalHealthAwareness

Download & Share

 Week 1 - Post 3 (MP4 | 5.7 MB)

Downloadable sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources supporting Children and Teens’ Mental Health.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in children and teens. Keep an eye out for any social or behavioral changes in your children. You can learn more about the signs at samhsa.gov/mental-health. #MHAM2024

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 Week 2 - Post 1 (MP4 | 20.2 MB)

English Post Copy - All Platforms: In-person talks promote healthy mental development. This Mental Health Awareness Month, talk to your children and teens about mental health. Need help getting started? samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

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 Week 2 - Post 2 (PNG | 582 KB)

English Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: What’s your favorite greeting for your child when they get home from school or when you are back from work? ✔️ I love you! ✔️ Did you have a fun day learning? Or ✔️ I’m so happy to see you! Consistent and reassuring interactions positively impact a child’s mental health. Learn more about how to support them at all ages and stages. samhsa.gov/families/parent-caregiver-resources #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

English Post Copy - X: What’s your favorite greeting for your child when they get home or when you are back from work? ✔️ I love you! ✔️ Did you have a fun day while learning? Or ✔️ I’m so happy to see you! Consistent and positive interactions can impact a child’s mental health. Support children of all ages and stages. samhsa.gov/families/parent-caregiver-resources #MHAM2024

Download & Share

 Week 2 - Post 3 (PNG | 125 KB)

Downloadable sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources supporting Maternal Mental Health.

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Glowing from the inside out? Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be emotionally complex. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, remember it’s okay to not feel okay. Mood swings, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed are all common. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone! SAMHSA has resources to support your mental health journey. ➡️ 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

Post Copy - X: Glowing from the inside out? Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be emotionally complex. This #MHAM2024, remember it’s okay to not feel okay. SAMHSA has resources to support your mental health journey. ➡️ 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

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 Week 3 - Post 1 (PNG | 173 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: #MomLife can be joyful but also overwhelming. If you are not feeling like yourself, it’s okay to seek help. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/ #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

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 Week 3 - Post 2 (PNG | 210 KB)

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Hey, new moms, here is a Mental Health Awareness Month note 💌: As you care for your new baby, remember - their mom needs care too! 💝 Make time for yourself when you can and spend time with others. Learn more ways to take care of yourself: samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope #MentalHealthMatters #MHAM2024 #SelfCare

Post Copy - X: Here is a #MHAM2024 reminder 💌 for new moms: As you care for your new baby, remember - their mom needs care too! 💝 Rest when you can and reach out to friends and family. Learn more ways to take care of yourself: samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope #SelfCare

Download & Share

 Week 3 - Post 3 (MP4 | 18.4 MB)

Downloadable sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources supporting Minority Groups’ Mental Health.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Mental health is for everyone, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it. Learn more at FindSupport.gov. #MentalHealthMatters #MHAM2024

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 Week 4 - Post 1 (MP4 | 7 MB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: Tribal communities deserve respectful and culturally appropriate mental health support that acknowledges their values, traditions, and experiences. SAMHSA has resources for Tribal communities at 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/native-americans/ #MentalHealthMatters #MHAM2024

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 Week 4 - Post 2 (PNG | 765 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: Black Mental Health Matters! Support the mental well-being of Black communities. Let’s breakdown the barriers faced when trying to get mental health support. Everyone deserves the support they need. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/black-mental-health/ #MentalHealthMatters #MHAM2024

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 Week 4 - Post 3 (PNG | 765 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: DYK: Culturally and linguistically appropriate information and services can help provide good mental health support for those who need it. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in English and Spanish. 988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/ 988lifeline.org/es/obten-ayuda/

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 Week 4 - Post 4 (PNG | 765 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honor their diverse cultural heritage and support their mental health. Help is available for all. FindSupport.gov #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthAwareness #AAPIHeritageMonth

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 Week 4 - Post 5 (PNG | 765 KB)

Downloadable sample social media posts and graphics featuring SAMHSA resources supporting LGBTQIA+ Mental Health.

Post Copy - All Platforms: Parents: Your acceptance means the 🌍 to your children. Expressing ❤️ is a simple but effective way to support your #LGBTQIA+ child and their mental health. Check out these resources for families: samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbtqi #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

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 Week 5 - Post 1 (PNG | 710 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: To #LGBTQIA+ communities, every single one of you matters! 🌈 ❤️ If you are in crisis, the #988lifeline is there for you 24/7. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/ #MHAM2024 #MentalHealthMatters

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 Week 5 - Post 2 (MP4 | 8.3 MB)

Post Copy - Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: For Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrate #LGBTQIA+ communities with a reminder: You belong. You matter. Your mental health matters. And you are not alone. 🌈❤️ There is help. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/

Post Copy - X: For #MHAM2024, we celebrate #LGBTQIA+ communities with a reminder: You belong. You matter. Your #MentalHealthMatters. And you are not alone. 🌈 ❤️ There is help. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/

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 Week 5 - Post 3 (PNG | 660 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: To all the moms and mother figures in our lives: Happy Mother’s Day! For all you do to support others, we hope you have the support you need. FindSupport.gov #MHAM2024 #SelfCare

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 Mother's Day Post (PNG | 778 KB)

Post Copy - All Platforms: This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We also honor their families, friends, and fellow service members who mourn them. There is help for Veterans struggling with grief, loss, or trauma at 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans/. #MHAM2024

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 Memorial Day Post (PNG | 708 KB)

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:

  • #MHAM2024 (primary hashtag)
  • #MentalHealthAwareness
  • #MentalHealthMatters
  • #EmotionalWellness
  • #SelfCare

Best Practices

  • Use the Key Messages: Please use the provided 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 (e.g., reaching out to a friend, sharing helpful resources) can have a big positive 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 can encourage your followers to talk about how to support mental health in older adults, and during Week 2, you can share tips and resources for parents and caregivers to support children.
  • 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 #MHAM2024, #MentalHealthAwareness, #MentalHealthMatters, #EmotionalWellness and #SelfCare. These hashtags will 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 share important information about mental wellness and support for those experiencing or living with mental health problems.

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