The History Of Mental Health Awareness Month: Shaping The Treatment Of Mental Illness

Mental Health Awareness Month (also sometimes referred to as Mental Health Month) is an annual initiative that takes place each May. It’s designed to raise awareness about mental health concerns, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and support for those affected. 

Promoting the initiative is often a community affair; however, there are things an individual can do to help, too—beginning with educating themselves. Below, you’ll learn about the history and origins of Mental Health Awareness Month and how mental health awareness recognition has evolved over time. You’ll also learn how reducing stigma can be possible through mental health advocacy and promoting awareness.

The state of mental health in the United States

In 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published its 2023 national survey results. The data indicates that almost one in four US adults are currently living with a mental health condition. Nearly one in 20 live with an even more serious mental illness—such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression— that significantly interferes with their daily life and productivity. 

Adults aren’t the only population affected by mental health challenges. According to the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, almost 20% of children between the ages of three and 17 in the US have a “mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.” Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around two in five high school students struggle with persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness—which are common symptoms of depression.  

The history of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 by the National Mental Health Association (now Mental Health America) to raise awareness around mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Initially, it was a week-long observance, but it was later expanded to a full month. 

The first Mental Health Week was launched in collaboration with the Jaycees (originally known as the US Junior Chamber), an organization dedicated to promoting wellness and empowerment in young people. 

What are the goals of Mental Health Awareness Month?

Other key objectives include:

• Reducing stigma around mental health and challenging negative perceptions and misconceptions by fostering open conversations and encouraging acceptance
• Promoting early intervention by emphasizing the importance of recognizing mental health symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment
• Encouraging individuals to advocate for better mental health care policies, availability of services, and support for individuals affected by mental illness
• Honoring the stories, celebrating the recovery, and recognizing the resilience of individuals with mental health conditions

From the history of Mental Health Awareness Month to the theme for 2025

Each year, Mental Health Awareness Month has a particular theme. The theme for 2025 is "Turn Awareness Into Action." The idea is to encourage individuals, organizations, and policymakers to move beyond simply understanding mental health challenges to actively support those affected and advocate for positive change. It emphasizes the importance of taking meaningful steps to address individual and community mental health needs.  

Early mental health and treatment advocacy in the US

Early mental health advocacy in the US emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the beginning, advocacy efforts were led by former patients of mental health care facilities protesting the mistreatment of individuals with mental health disorders and the poor conditions of these facilities. 

During this time, the mental hygiene movement also promoted mental health awareness, prevention, and improvements in treatment methods. The moral treatment philosophy also took root in the early days of mental health advocacy. This movement, championed by Dorothea Dix, emphasized the importance of a safe therapeutic environment and compassionate care for individuals with a mental illness. 

Legislative milestones related to mental illness treatment

Legislative and policy shifts at the state and federal levels have affected the availability of mental health care in the US over the years. Some examples include, but aren’t limited to the following: 

• The National Mental Health Act of 1946 established mental health as a federal priority and led to the founding of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 
• The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 established community mental health centers and provided increased funding for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation at the community level. 
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 to protect individuals with disabilities—including mental disabilities that limit one or more major life activities. Under the ADA, individuals with qualifying mental health conditions are protected against discrimination in areas like employment, public services, and transportation. As part of ADA policy, employers must also provide reasonable accommodations to employees with mental health disabilities, including modifications to the work environment or changes to the work process. 
• The Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 mandated that health insurance plans provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as for medical illnesses. This parity requirement was intended to ensure equal availability of care and address discrimination in coverage. 

That said, experts point out that there’s still a long way to go to make quality mental health care available for all. For example, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), queer people of color tend to experience higher rates of mental illness due to their lived experiences of oppression and discrimination. In addition, HRC shares: “We know that LGBTQ+ people who are BIPOC often face barriers to treatment and care because of mistrust of the medical community and high uninsurance rates, among many other societal injustices.” It also reports that over a quarter of queer adults of color are uninsured compared to 8% of adults overall. Mental health awareness includes awareness of such barriers and taking action to meaningfully address them.

Current advocacy efforts

While current mental health movements generally retain the same goals—reducing stigma and increasing availability of care—the focus has now widened. Improving services in low- and middle-income areas and promoting human rights in general are now commonplace in mental health movements. 

Related campaigns like the psychiatric survivors movement—which spotlight the importance of patient autonomy and the right to make informed mental health care decisions—dovetail with broader mental health awareness projects. Other recent advocacy efforts are also increasingly focused on addressing systemic issues that contribute to mental health challenges, such as poverty, discrimination, and healthcare inequality, as discussed above.

Media, culture, and changing public attitudes toward mental illness

Traditional portrayals of mental illness have led to stigma and misconceptions about mental health. Historically, the news media has focused on sensationalized or even fictionalized accounts of violence and crime perpetrated by individuals with mental illness, creating a biased image of people with mental disorders as inherently dangerous. 

Another example includes how popular culture tends to use clinical terms like "schizophrenic" or “OCD” colloquially—often to describe a negative character trait rather than a condition—leading to negative connotations and reinforcing stereotypes. Such negative portrayals can discourage individuals with a mental illness from seeking help, as they may fear judgment and discrimination. 

Media coverage as a positive source for change

On the other hand, the media may also help decrease stigma and transform negative attitudes about mental health. Positive media reports and campaigns may increase public awareness about mental illness. Human-interest stories and celebrities sharing on mental health topics can challenge harmful stereotypes and promote understanding. 

Individuals who are comfortable publicly sharing about their lived experiences may help foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, positive portrayals in the media can encourage individuals to seek help by showcasing positive outcomes and normalizing the experience of mental health challenges and treatment. 

The role of social media in influencing perceptions around mental health

Research indicates a growing shift in the coverage of mental health challenges from traditional mainstream media to social media. With this shift comes greater potential to use social media to boost positive change—or reinforce negative stereotypes. 

Social media platforms can be used to help raise awareness about mental illness by acting as a platform for sharing personal stories and fostering open conversations. Social media can connect people with similar mental health experiences, potentially facilitating supportive online communities where people can share their challenges and receive encouragement and support.

That said, social media can also promote negative portrayals of mental illness in the form of stereotyping, mocking, and harmful jokes. Such an environment can reinforce stigma and discourage individuals from getting help. Additionally, while social media can provide a way to connect to information about mental health conditions, treatment options, and support organizations, it can also contribute to the spread of misinformation. 

Social media as a contributor to mental health challenges

Regardless of its opportunities for promoting advocacy and awareness, mental health research suggests that excessive social media use can contribute to a number of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It has also been linked to an increased risk of self-harm and suicide, particularly among young people. 

These effects might be due to the curated nature of social media profiles, which can lead to social comparison. This phenomenon is when individuals feel pressure to live up to unrealistic standards or experience envy, contributing to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Online harassment and bullying can also have a significant impact on mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. 

The global mental health movement

Global mental health is a growing field of research and practice that aims to improve mental health equity for all people worldwide. Initiatives often involve advocating for global policy changes, such as increased funding, improved service delivery, and integration of mental health into mainstream health systems. 

The movement emphasizes the need for research to inform best practices and the development of trained professionals who can provide culturally sensitive care. International collaboration and knowledge-sharing are thought to be key to developing effective mental health interventions and sharing best practices across different countries and cultures. 

Expanding availability of care through technology and telehealth treatment 

To this end, digital therapeutics—which deliver evidence-based mental health treatments online—are gaining traction. These solutions can help address provider shortages and may better reach underserved communities. 

Using Mental Health Awareness Month as a springboard for personal transformation 

With advancements in internet-delivered approaches, mental health care like therapy is becoming increasingly available. Platforms like BetterHelp offer individuals the opportunity to connect with a broad pool of mental health professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Once matched, users can attend sessions with a licensed therapist remotely, on a schedule that fits their needs. Plus, online treatment often costs less than traditional in-person treatment without insurance. 

Studies suggest that online therapy—particularly internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)—can often be effective for treating various mental health conditions. For example, research published in Psychotherapy Research indicates that college students who participated in the study’s iCBT program experienced reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also reports that those who engaged more fully in the program tended to see greater symptom reduction.