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 LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ people facing mental health issues.
- Acknowledging and celebrating the identities of LGBTQIA+ people helps build their self-confidence and emotional well-being.