- Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of residents of Massachusetts are living with mental illness. Each May, the Department of Mental Health, and individuals, agencies, and organizations across the country, observe Mental Health month. We do so to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Here are some of the events happening this Mental Health Month in Massachusetts and beyond.
May 5-11: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development. This year, DMH is launching a Social Media Campaign using the hashtage "#StartSharingHope" to get the word out about youth and young adult mental health, resiliency, wellness and hope. Follow the #StartSharingHope hashtag on Twitter and Instagram (and follow @MassDMH and @SpeakingofHope) to participate. We'll also be supporting PPAL's "Light It Green" campaign in which landmarks across the state will be illuminated green to support Children's Mental Health.
May 20: Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day: This event is designed to raise public awareness around the mental health of older Americans and spur actions to address their needs by promoting evidence-based approaches to mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for older adults and collaboration between the mental health and aging networks. It will also highlight where people can seek treatment and services when needed. The event will be live webcast, and registration is required: Learn more and register.
May 23: Express Yourself - EXYO25: The 25th Anniversary Performance! Since 1994, EXYO’s annual performance has inspired audiences with it’s joy filled creativity. For thousands of young performers, the show has been a source for creative self-discovery and connection. Mark your calendar for May 23, 2019 to see what surprises our special anniversary show brings! Learn more.
View our calendar for a full list of Mental Health Month activities. Keep checking back as updates are made frequently!
