May IS Mental Health Awareness Month - The DV Walking Wounded:

Hey friends,

Let’s talk about something important—mental health. You’ve probably seen the green ribbons, Instagram posts, or hashtags floating around this month. That’s because May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to talk about mental well-being, smash stigmas, and remind ourselves (and others) that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.

So, What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized in the United States since 1949, thanks to Mental Health America (then called the National Association for Mental Health). It was created to open up conversations around mental health, highlight the importance of access to care, and educate the public on mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many others.

Back then, mental health was barely whispered about. Today, we still have work to do—but we’ve come a long way. More people are speaking openly about their struggles and prioritizing therapy, medication, mindfulness, and self-care without shame.

Why It Still Matters

Even now, in 2025, there’s still a stigma around mental health. Some people feel embarrassed to ask for help. Others don’t have the support they need. And too many still believe struggling mentally means you’re weak—which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that:

• Mental health impacts everyone, whether personally or through someone we love.
• It’s okay to not be okay.
• Help is out there—and healing is possible.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to support awareness. Here are a few simple ways to join in this month:

🧠 Check in with yourself and others. Ask your friends how they’re really doing. Be open about your own struggles if you feel safe doing so.

📣 Speak up. Share resources, stories, or quotes on social media. Sometimes the right post at the right time can make a big difference for someone silently struggling.

🎗️ Wear green. That’s the official color for mental health awareness. Pin a ribbon to your jacket, wear a green tee, or even change your profile pic for the month.

📚 Educate yourself. Learn about mental health conditions, warning signs, and how to support someone in crisis. The more we understand, the more empathy we can give.

💚 Support mental health organizations. Donate, volunteer, or attend local events. Even spreading the word about their work helps.

Bottom line: Mental health matters, always—not just in May. But this month gives us a powerful reason to pause, reflect, and start conversations that could truly change lives.

So whether you’re lighting up your porch green, checking on a friend, or just giving yourself a little grace—you’re helping. And that counts for more than you know.

Take care of yourself. And each other. 💚