Mental Health Awareness Calendar: Key Mental Health Dates To Remember

World Mental Health Day is just one of many nationally and internationally recognized dates for mental health awareness. Many days, weeks, and months of the year are dedicated to drawing the public eye to mental health topics. These events are often observed by spreading information, promoting resources, and driving awareness of uncommon knowledge. If you're looking for a mental health awareness date to celebrate this year, consider the following options.

January: National Stalking Awareness Month

National Stalking Awareness Month takes place in January each year. This month-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about stalking, how to prevent stalking, and helping individuals who have experienced stalking. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, an average of 24 people per minute experience sexual assault, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. They also offer a resource for safety planning for those at risk of stalking. 

February

There are two mental health events in February, listed below. 

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Dating violence can affect anyone, including teenagers. Teen Dating Violence Awareness And Prevention Month (TDVAM) is an event dedicated to raising awareness for, preventing, and understanding the impacts of dating violence among teens.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating disorders affect over 21 million Americans and are often prevalent in minority groups like the LGBTQIA+ population and BIPOC communities. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, sometimes called NEDA week, is an annual event meant to raise awareness for eating disorder prevention and provide messages of hope. You can take the NEDA screening tool online at their website. However, contact a mental health professional if you or someone you love might be experiencing an eating disorder. 

March: World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day takes place on March 30th of every year. This event aims to raise awareness of bipolar disorder and decrease its stigma, which impacts about 2.8% of the adult population in the United States. Go to the International Society for Bipolar Disorder's website to learn more about World Bipolar Day.

April

April has several mental health awareness events, including the following. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an event dedicated to raising awareness for sexual assault, preventing sexual assault, and supporting those who have encountered this experience. 

National Counseling Awareness Month

National Counseling Awareness Month is an event dedicated to honoring those within the field of counseling, spreading awareness about counseling, and discussing ways that counseling can help people cope with mental illness. It may also discuss topics like compassion fatigue and mental burnout, which can often occur to those in "helping professions." 

Stress Awareness Month

Chronic stress can impact health in severe ways, both mentally and physically. Ongoing stress raises your risk for various mental and physical health risks, including but not limited to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, anxiety, inflammation, gastrointestinal distress, and sleep disorders. International Stress Awareness Day and Month provides facts on stress and stress management to improve the health of communities worldwide. 

National Minority Health Month

April is National Minority Health Month, dedicated to spreading awareness about the disparities that impact minority groups and the well-being of people within those groups. It aims to encourage action and promote and provide resources. You can learn more about promoting equity, equality, and health for minorities through the organizer of the event's website.

May: Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949 and is an event dedicated to raising awareness to risk factors for mental illness, the connection between physical and mental health, and how to practice self-care.

Mental health awareness calendar activities for mental illness inclusion

During Mental Health Awareness Month, you may contribute information about mental health online or in person, attend screenings for mental health, or introduce resources to those you love. This event brings awareness to each person's mental health needs and can reduce the stigma of reaching out for support.

June: National PTSD Awareness Month

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition caused by traumatic events that can impact physical and mental health. June is National PTSD Awareness Month, an event dedicated to raising awareness and helping people find support for PTSD.

Mental health calendar activities

For June this year, consider reading books about modern PTSD research and the prevalence of trauma-related conditions worldwide. It can be beneficial to note that a few leading causes of PTSD are sexual assault and abuse. Many people have misconceptions about how this condition develops, so understanding the symptoms may reduce stigma in society and encourage more people to seek support. 

July: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Not to be confused with Minority Health Awareness Month, July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, an event dedicated specifically to mental health in demographics that may be considered minorities. It has been observed since 2008, and it exists to raise awareness for disparities in care, mental health statistics, and suicide prevention. 

August: International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on August 31st of every year. It is an event intended to raise awareness of overdose, honor those who have passed due to overdose, and break the stigmas surrounding substance use disorders. You can learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day and how to observe it through the organizer's website.

September

Three main events are celebrated in September, all surrounding suicide awareness and prevention, including the following. 

National Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month, also known as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website describes this event by stating, "We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the US and worldwide raise awareness of suicide prevention during September." 

Studies showcase that opportunity to receive mental health screenings and adequate mental health resources is associated with 30% fewer suicide attempts in communities. Awareness of suicide prevention is one way to advocate for more accessible mental healthcare so more people can receive this benefit. 

National Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention Week occurs from September 6th to September 12th of every year. The goal of this week is to raise awareness for suicide prevention. It is celebrated as a part of National Suicide Prevention Month but may include separate events. 

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10th each year. This event aims to raise awareness for and prevent suicide across the globe. It takes a more global approach to suicide prevention and involves hundreds of events and initiatives each year. 

October

There are two main events in October, including the below options. 

National Depression Education and Awareness Month

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month, dedicated to providing accurate information about depression and raising awareness for the condition. October is also known as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. 

National Depression Screening Day

October 6th is National Depression Screening Day, dedicated to raising awareness for depression and helping individuals identify symptoms in themselves through screenings, which can be found for free online or at in-person events. 

November: International Stress Awareness Day

International Stress Awareness Day occurs on the first Wednesday in November every year. This day aims to raise awareness about stress, including but not limited to the prevalence of stress and the impacts of stress. To honor this day, consider participating in a stress-relief activity, such as creating a DIY stress ball or writing in a journal. 

December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Disabilities come in many forms, including mental and physical disabilities. International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place on December 3rd every year and is an event dedicated to disability inclusion. The event aims to allow the disabled community to spread their voice and showcase the many diverse identities within the community. 

How to get involved with this behavioral health calendar

There are several ways to raise awareness for mental health topics during dedicated months, weeks, or days throughout the year. Many mental health awareness days have websites that can help you find ways to get involved. You might start by supporting initiatives for awareness, joining an advocacy march, donating to an organization, or sharing your voice in your community. 

If you're struggling with your mental health, consider contacting a professional to honor any mental health events throughout the year. Whether you're experiencing a mental health condition, life stress, trauma, grief, interpersonal conflict, or another challenge, therapy can be a practical resource.

How to reach out for support 

Many people want to receive professional support but face barriers in doing so. For example, keeping an appointment within standard business hours can be challenging if you work full-time. With online therapy, you can meet with a mental health professional on your own time and from the comfort of your home. 

Online therapy is convenient and effective in treating common mental health conditions like depression. Recent studies have shown that the most effective online approach involves multiple treatment delivery methods like video conferencing, calling, and messaging. 

Through an online platform like BetterHelp, individuals can utilize a platform of over 30,000 therapists. These individuals have diverse specialties, potentially making it easier to find mental healthcare catered to you. Additionally, you can cancel services at any time for any reason. If you're looking for a way to value your mental health this year, you might benefit from trying therapy.