Mental Health Awareness Calendar 2025: Key Dates and Observances

World Mental Health Day is just one of many nationally and internationally recognized dates for mental health awareness. Throughout the year, numerous days, weeks, and months are dedicated to drawing the public eye to mental health topics. These events are often observed by spreading information, promoting resources, and driving awareness. The mental health awareness calendar below covers observances organized chronologically from January through December, along with guidance on how you might participate in each one.

How to use this mental health awareness calendar

Whether you work in human resources, education, healthcare, or advocacy or you simply want to support your own well-being and that of others, the calendar below can serve as a practical planning tool. Understanding when specific awareness events occur may help you prepare meaningful programming, content, or personal observances throughout the year.

You might use this mental health awareness calendar to:

• Plan workplace wellness events or educational sessions around relevant awareness months
• Create social media content that aligns with national and international observances
• Schedule educational programming for schools, community centers, or healthcare settings
• Focus your personal self-care efforts around themes that resonate with you
• Find opportunities to support loved ones who may be affected by specific conditions

January

The first major mental health observance of the year is National Stalking Awareness Month in 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 how to help 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. The mental health impacts of stalking can be significant and may lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

February

There are several 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 dedicated to raising awareness for, preventing, and understanding the impacts of dating violence among teens.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating disorders affect over 31 million Americans. 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. If you or someone you love might be experiencing an eating disorder, consider contacting a mental health professional for support.

Black History Month and mental health

February is also Black History Month, which provides an opportunity to recognize the unique mental health experiences and challenges within Black communities as well as honor contributions to the mental health field made by Black healthcare professionals and researchers. Historical and ongoing systemic barriers can affect access to mental healthcare, making awareness and culturally responsive support crucial.

March

March includes several mental health awareness observances, including World Bipolar Day.

World Bipolar Day (March 30)

World Bipolar Day takes place on March 30 every year. This event aims to raise awareness of bipolar disorder, which impacts about 2.8% of the adult population in the United States, and decrease related stigma. The International Society for Bipolar Disorder offers more information about World Bipolar Day.

Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which highlights the connection between traumatic brain injuries and mental health. Brain injuries can lead to changes in mood, cognition, and behavior, and raising awareness may help people understand the value of prevention and comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional recovery.

Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1)

Self-Injury Awareness Day occurs on March 1st and aims to reduce stigma surrounding self-harm while providing education and resources. If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, reaching out to a mental health professional or crisis resource may be a helpful step toward healing.

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 of sexual assault, preventing sexual assault, and supporting those who have encountered this experience through resources like sexual abuse counseling.

National Counseling Awareness Month

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

Stress Awareness Month

Chronic stress can impact health in many 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 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 health and healthcare disparities that impact minority 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.

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding of autism spectrum experiences. The shift from "awareness" to "acceptance" reflects a preference among many in the Autistic community for language that emphasizes inclusion and respect rather than simply recognition of the condition.

May: Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the most widely recognized month for mental health advocacy and education. This observance provides an opportunity to focus on mental well-being at individual, community, and societal levels.

Ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month

During Mental Health Awareness Month, there are many ways to get involved and support the cause. Here are some ideas for participation:

• Learn about different mental health conditions and how they can impact people's lives
• Practice self-care by taking a walk, doing yoga, journaling, or spending time in nature
• Reach out to friends and family to offer your support
• Donate time or money to a mental health charity in your area
• Hold an event at work, like guest speakers or an informational fair, to encourage learning about mental health
• Share accurate information about mental health on social media or in your community

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

The first full week of May is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, which focuses specifically on the mental health needs of young people. This week highlights early intervention, supportive environments, and access to age-appropriate mental health resources for children and adolescents.

June

June includes observances related to trauma, identity, and mental health.

National PTSD Awareness Month

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition associated with traumatic experiences that can impact physical and mental health. June is National PTSD Awareness Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness and helping people find support for PTSD. Spreading accurate information about PTSD may help reduce misconceptions about the condition.

PTSD Awareness Day (June 27)

June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day, a specific day within the month dedicated to education and support. This day provides an opportunity to learn about PTSD symptoms, treatment options, and ways to support those who may be affected.

Pride Month and LGBTQ+ mental health

June is Pride Month, which celebrates LGBTQ+ identities and communities. LGBTQ+ individuals may face higher rates of certain mental health challenges due to factors like discrimination, stigma, and minority stress. Pride Month offers an opportunity to highlight affirming mental healthcare and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.

July: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance honors the late author and mental health advocate who worked to bring attention to mental health needs in underrepresented communities.

The month has been observed since 2008 and exists to raise awareness for disparities in care, mental health statistics, and suicide prevention among minority populations. Key focus areas may include:

• Addressing barriers to mental healthcare access in minority communities
• Promoting culturally responsive and affirming mental health services
• Reducing stigma around mental health within diverse cultural contexts
• Highlighting representation among mental health professionals
• Supporting community-based mental health initiatives

August

August includes observances focused on wellness and overdose awareness.

International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31)

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 help reduce stigma surrounding overdose and related health concerns.

National Wellness Month

August is also National Wellness Month, which encourages focus on self-care, stress management, and healthy routines. This observance can serve as a reminder to prioritize mental and physical well-being as summer transitions toward fall.

September

Three main mental health events are observed in September, all surrounding suicide awareness and prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month, also known as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness. Opportunities to receive mental health screenings and adequate mental health resources may be 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 in the second week of September. 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 (September 10)

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

October

October includes multiple mental health awareness observances addressing various conditions and populations.

World Mental Health Day (October 10)

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th each year and serves as a global platform for mental health education and advocacy. This international observance brings together organizations, governments, and individuals to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being worldwide.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) takes place during the first full week of October. This week aims to raise awareness about mental health conditions, fight stigma, and provide support to those affected. Many organizations host events, share educational resources, and encourage open conversations about mental health during this time.

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 6)

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.

Possible signs of depression may include the following:

• A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Isolation from others
• A persistent low mood
• Irritability
• Difficulty caring for your hygiene needs
• Apathy or numbness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite

OCD Awareness Week

OCD Awareness Week occurs during the second week of October and focuses on educating the public about obsessive-compulsive disorder. This observance aims to dispel common misconceptions about OCD and highlight the experiences of those living with the condition.

ADHD Awareness Month

October is also ADHD Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing understanding of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This observance helps raise awareness about ADHD across the lifespan and promotes access to appropriate evaluation and support.

November

November includes observances focused on stress and caregiving.

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.

National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month, which recognizes the millions of people who provide care for family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related needs. Caregiving can take a significant toll on mental health, and this month highlights support, respite, and self-care for those in caregiving roles.

December

December includes observances related to disability and seasonal well-being.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)

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 those with disabilities to showcase the many diverse identities within the community.

Seasonal mental health and holiday awareness

The winter months can bring unique mental health challenges for many people, sometimes compounding other stressors like the birthday blues. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects some individuals during shorter, darker days, while holiday stress, grief, and social pressures can impact emotional well-being. December in general can serve as a reminder to prioritize mental health during the holidays, which can be a challenging time of year for some.

How to get involved with mental health awareness

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. Taking action to support mental health awareness may help reduce stigma and create more supportive communities.

Here are some concrete ways to participate in mental health awareness efforts:

• Support initiatives for awareness by sharing information on social media
• Join an advocacy march or community event
• Donate to mental health organizations
• Share your voice and experiences in your community
• Educate yourself about mental health conditions and resources
• Check in with friends and family about their well-being

Benefits of online therapy

Mental health awareness events can sometimes prompt people to consider seeking support for themselves. Online therapy may remove some common barriers to care, such as scheduling difficulties or transportation challenges. It also allows you to meet with a mental health professional from the comfort of your home.

When you choose a platform like BetterHelp, you can discover fast, flexible, and affordable online therapy from one of the world’s largest network of therapists. Whether you're navigating a mental health condition, life stress, trauma, grief, interpersonal conflict, or another challenge, working with a licensed therapist online can be a practical resource.

BetterHelp now also offers psychiatry services through Uplift as an additional care option alongside therapy for adults 18 and older. When clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider's evaluation, psychiatry services may include medication management as part of a broader treatment plan. Learn more about getting started with psychiatry.

Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member's insurance plan.

How effective online therapy may be

If you're interested in exploring online therapy, you can generally feel confident in the effectiveness of this form of care. The American Psychological Association reports that in-person and online therapy tend to "produce similar outcomes" in many cases.