Isaac C.
This May Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on critical areas of mental health in America. Established in 1949, this annual observance is focused on advocating for supporting people with mental health conditions and encouraging a broader understanding of the role that mental health plays in overall well-being.
Cornerstone of Southern California is dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in their journey towards mental health wellness and addiction recovery.
Help Lines and Support for Mental Health Awareness Month
These helplines provide 24/7 support for people in scenarios that require mental health support. Learn more by visiting NIMH’s Find Help page.
Helpline and Treatment Options for Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment:
These resources provide 24/7 support for people that need help with both mental health illness and substance use disorders. Treating both with addiction treatment and mental health counseling improves treatment outcomes for long-term recovery.
2024 Weekly Themes for Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is organized around weekly themes that highlight specific community needs and promote targeted support.
Week 1: Supporting Older Adults (May 1st-4th)
Older adults face unique mental health challenges, often made worse by life transitions, physical health issues, and loneliness. Engaging seniors in conversations about mental health may help in multiple ways, such as providing important quality time and normalizing getting help. Awareness of good mental health routines for seniors is an important focus. Activities that foster social connections and mental engagement, such as joining clubs or volunteering, can significantly boost both mental and physical health in older adulthood.
Week 2: Focus on Children and Teens (May 5th-11th)
Focusing on children and teens’ mental health is another theme of Mental Health Awareness Month because children and teens today are facing unique challenges such as high divorce rates and reduced family time due to parents’ full-time employment. These social shifts can diminish quality family interactions, increasing reliance on digital communication and potentially leading to isolation. To counteract this, creating supportive environments at home and in educational settings is a necessary step. This support helps young people develop resilience and coping strategies for healthier emotional growth. By actively engaging in their mental health through conversations and quality time, parents and educators can significantly influence positive developmental outcomes.
Week 3: Maternal Mental Health (May 12th-18th)
The theme for the third week of Mental Health Awareness Month is focused on pregnant women and new moms. This brings awareness to the emotional complexities associated with pregnancy and postpartum periods. Recognizing signs of mental health distress, like postpartum depression, and ensuring self-care for new moms and access to support to prevent long-term issues. Pregnancy and new motherhood are important times for promoting self-care and getting professional help where needed.
Week 4: Addressing Needs of Racial and Ethnic Minorities (May 19th-25th)
Mental health support for racial and ethnic minority groups must consider cultural sensitivities and the unique challenges these communities face. Enhancing access to culturally competent care and reducing barriers to treatment are essential steps towards equity in mental health services. Open conversations with loved ones and friends are great starting points for breaking down barriers to seeking mental health support.
Week 5: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community (May 26th-31st)
Support for the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community is important, particularly because members of this community often face unique stressors related to societal, familial, and systemic discrimination. Fostering and celebrating more inclusive environments at home, in schools, and in the workplace can reduce mental health risks associated with exclusion and discrimination. These supportive environments help prevent stress and mental health issues by promoting acceptance, safety, and belonging. Ensuring that LGBTQIA+ individuals feel supported encourages positive mental health outcomes and fosters a more resilient community. This week emphasizes the importance of taking real actions to create these inclusive spaces, recognizing the impact they can have on the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people.
Cornerstone’s Commitment to Mental Health Wellness
At Cornerstone of Southern California, our commitment extends beyond this awareness month as we continue to support a diverse clientele in their journey towards mental wellness and long-term recovery from addictions. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember, help is available, and you are not alone. Cornerstone’s services include: drug & alcohol detoxification, inpatient rehab programs, outpatient rehab programs, and sober living homes in Orange County, California.
Reach out today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how we can support you or your loved ones.
Reviewed & Approved
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Dr. Michael Stone, MD, FAAFP, ABAM, FASAM, Founder, and Phil Kosanovich, MBA, President & CEO of Cornerstone of Southern California. If you have any questions or notice any inaccuracies, please contact us at [email protected].
Sources
This content draws on these resources to ensure accurate and supportive information:
