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5.01.2025

Mental Health Awareness Week: Shining a Light on Strengthening Mental Wellbeing

By Jamie Mendez, Early Childhood Workforce Specialist, Nevada Department of Education, Office of Early Learning and Development, Preschool Development Grant Birth-5

Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder to break the silence, challenge misconceptions, and open hearts and minds to the realities of mental health. It’s time to raise awareness, spark understanding, and show support for those facing mental health challenges. 

In 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 12th to May 18th. This year’s theme is “Community,” highlighting the essential role of feeling connected to others and feeling safe and supported in one’s mental health. 

It reminds us that feeling supported, safe, and understood by others can significantly improve mental health. A sense of community can come from family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even virtual groups and forums – what matters most is having people to rely on and share experiences with. 

To be able to care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. It’s like the advice we’re given on airplanes: put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help someone else with theirs. Taking care of yourself is a valid goal on its own, and it helps you support the people you love. 
Taking Care of Yourself | NAMI

Activities during Mental Health Awareness Week may include mental health workshops, awareness campaigns, social media challenges, storytelling sessions, and fundraising events for organizations that focus on mental health. 

Many organizations also take the opportunity to share resources such as crisis helplines, self-care tips, and mental health toolkits to help people better understand and manage their wellbeing. 

This is also a time for reflection and action. Individuals are encouraged to check in with their own mental health and that of those around them. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, taking time for self-care, or starting an open conversation about emotions and struggles, small actions can have a big impact.

For tips on supporting your own mental health, please visit:
Caring for Your Mental Health - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)  
How To Practice Self-Care: 10 Worksheets and 12 Ideas (positivepsychology.com))

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through old age. For children and adolescents, developing emotional resilience and a strong sense of self can shape how they handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. During adulthood, mental wellbeing supports the ability to manage responsibilities, maintain relationships, and navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. 

Mental health is conveyed as emotional awareness, balance, and the capacity to grow from experiences. 

5 ways you can support mental health for the children aged 0-5 in your life: 

• Provide routines and set clear boundaries
• Encourage joyful movement
• Encourage social connections
• Model healthy coping skills
• Talk about emotions and feelings regularly

For additional tips and more information please visit: 10 Tips to Help Child's Mental Health - Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program

As we get older, maintaining your mental health continues to play a vital role in one's overall quality of life. For older adults, staying socially connected, engaging in meaningful activities, and preserving a sense of purpose can help prevent feelings of isolation or depression. 

Across all ages, promoting mental health involves regular self-care, supportive environments, open conversations about mental health, and access to resources when needed. A proactive approach to mental health helps people of every age lead fulfilling, balanced lives. 

Let’s all take part in shining a light on strengthening mental health – not just in this week, but every day. 

Explore these resources for additional ways to support your mental health

Insight Timer- Features a vast library of free meditations and mindfulness talks from various teachers.

Link for additional information: Insight Timer — #1 Free Meditation App

*Free resource
Insight Timer is the world's largest free meditation app with 31 million meditators and over 220k free tracks