Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Why is Mental Health important for overall health?
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.
Can your Mental Health change over time?
Yes, it’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.
What is Mental Illness?
There are more than 200 types of mental illness, a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Such conditions may be occasional or long-lasting (chronic) and affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. People can experience different types of mental illnesses or disorders, and they can often occur at the same time. Mental illnesses can also occur over a short period of time or be episodic. This means that the mental illness comes and goes with discrete beginnings and ends.
How common are Mental Illnesses?
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the U.S.:
Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience a poor mental health condition and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
What causes Mental Illness?
There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:
Can your Mental Health change over time?
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Your mental health matters every day. Take the moment you need today and make your mental health a priority.
Why is mental health important for overall health?
Since its inception in 1949, MHAM has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.
During the month of May, MHAM champions the importance of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame. Together, we observe MHAM to extend support, help educate the public, and most importantly, to ERADICATE the STIGMA!
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Thursday, May 9th
1:00p – 7:00p (PT)
Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA
(Located in Angst Hall on Tollefson Plaza)
Presented by: Mental Health Matters of Washington (MHM WA)
This MHAM community event is free and open to the public. This year’s theme focuses on “Caring for the Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Pre-registration is encouraged. Learn more & register >>
Friday, May 17th
6:00p – 8:00p (PT)
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Ave S. | Tukwila, WA
Presented by: Therapy Fund Foundation
This MHAM community event is free and open to the public. Let’s paint a brighter future together! Join us for an Art Healing Circle to share and design what you need to thrive! No art experience required. All materials will be provided. All skill levels are welcome. Everyone who attends and participates will receive an honorarium. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!
Saturday, May 18th
10:00a – 3:00p (PT)
Jefferson Park Community Center
3801 Beacon Ave S. | Seattle, WA
Presented by: Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) Guild
This MHAM community event is free and open to the public. Join us for a Saturday of hope, healing and wellness! Event begins at 10:00 am with Walk & Stretch followed by a variety of Indoor Events from 11:00 am – 3:00p. Our goal is to educate and inspire each other to focus on creating healthy lifestyles and community building.
Saturday, May 18th – Vancouver, WA
Saturday, June 1st – Spokane, WA | Shelton, WA | Kirkland, WA
Recovery is possible.
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. struggle with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, addiction, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and other real, common and treatable conditions.
Take the first step towards managing your mental health with this FREE online screening. It is designed to help you determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
After you complete your online screening, you will receive information, resources, and tools to help you better understand and improve your mental health.
Source: Mental Health America (MHA)
Share these ideas with family and friends to celebrate #WorldMentalHealthDay:
✔️ Do a mental health check-in — ask yourself how you’re really feeling
✔️ Start a conversation about mental health with a friend or loved one
✔️ Choose a favorite mental health resource to post on your social media channels
✔️ Find strength and healing through connection — listen, watch, and share episodes of House Calls podcast hosted by our nation’s 21st U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy
✔️ Devote an hour to your favorite self-care activity
Source: The Mental Health Coalition and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the U.S. Surgeon General (OSG)
The more we talk about our mental health together, the more normalized these conversations become–ultimately empowering people to seek the help they need.
It’s okay to not be okay.
It’s important to use language that promotes inclusivity and respect. When we use open, compassionate, and equitable language around mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need.
Learn how to start the conversation >>
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
When we check-in with OTHERS, it creates an opportunity for those in need to ask for help. Take time to put these helpful tips into action:
♥️ Set aside time to talk –It is recommended to try for 15 minutes or longer. Get rid of distractions. This time is just about checking-in. Avoid phones, tablets, or television.
♥️ Ask open-ended questions – Start a discussion by asking “What went well today?” and “What could have gone better?” Try to make these conversations part of your daily routine, either at dinnertime or just before kids go to bed.
♥️ Listen & validate – Let them express their ideas fully before you respond. If your child expresses feelings of sadness or worry, resist the urge to “fix” the problem immediately. Instead, let them know that it’s okay – and even understandable – to feel this way right now.
♥️ Come up with solutions together – Help them come up with ideas for how to make the next day better or identify someone who can help, like a therapist, doctor, or pastor. Help kids focus on what they can control, which can help them better handle stress and anxiety by helping them identify aspects of life they have influence over, while acknowledging there are a lot of things they don’t have control of now.
♥️ Schedule time for your next check-in – Be sure to create a routine for check-ins, whether it’s daily or weekly.
♥️ Provide reassurance – Remind them to be patient with themselves – the first step towards getting better is to ask for help.
Source: UW Medicine, Interview with Dr. William P. French, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist.
When we check-in with OURSELVES, it creates an opportunity to feel better mentally. Take time to put these helpful tips into action:
♥️ Perform a random act of kindness – make kindness your New Norm!
♥️ Crank up the music
♥️ Go for a walk
♥️ Talk to a friend
♥️ Plan an activity YOU enjoy
♥️ Take a break to enjoy a Mini-Mental Holiday
Source: Very Well Mind and The Huddle @UWMedicine
What do you need to perform at your very best? Regular self-care can improve your well-being and self-esteem. It also increases resiliency that you need to help you to bounce back when problems come up in your life.
Remember, self-care is incredibly important for your health.
Put these self-care tips into practice today & remember to be kind to yourself:
Start your day off right.
Do something nice for you!
Relax, reflect, & rest.
Self-care is incredibly important for all our individual health, but not everyone knows what is or how to start.
One first step to take is creating a Self-Care Checklist.
Take a moment to customize your self-care today to fit your own needs and personality. And remember, love is more than just the way you feel!
Source: Love is respect
The next time you hear “take care of yourself” remember these nine steps — they can make a difference in your life, and result in a stronger YOU!
1. Tell yourself that you do matter; and because you matter it is important to spend time and energy on helping yourself feel better. Self-care is finding a way to build yourself up.
2. Be extra nice to yourself. Do things that you enjoy and that help you to relax and unwind.
3. Be patient with yourself. Accept that you will make mistakes, know that you can’t please everyone, and allow time to grieve. Know that things will get better, even though it might take a while.
4. Invest in yourself. Follow your dreams. Study things that interest you. Establish a faith walk for yourself.
5. Recognize when you are in problems over your head. Sometimes this means that you need to admit that you need someone to throw you a safety line; this could include working with a therapist, talking to a trusted adult, or going to a support group.
6. Say no to situations or people that you know could trigger you in a negative way. Self-care means that you protect yourself so you can build a stronger future self.
7. Think about things that happened in the past and learn from them, so you don’t repeat the same pattern. Self-care means taking time to really evaluate if situations and relationships are healthy and if they should continue.
8. Focus forward. Self-care means moving ahead, not looking back. Making goals for tomorrow or next week are your first step toward the future.
9. Be proud of yourself. Declare victory when things go well. Recognize when you make good choices, or when you succeed at something that you have been working toward.
Source: Your Life Your Voice from Boys Town.
It is vitally important that communities across Washington state (and beyond) work together to support a strong mental health system that is equipped to provide care, support, and services to those in need.
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental Illness is among the most common health conditions in the United States.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Early Release of Selected Estimates Based on Data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2019 National Summary Tables (Table 13)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2020 National Summary Tables, (Table 10)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC WONDER)
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, CALL, TEXT, or CHAT 9-8-8.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to provide free and confidential support to anyone in need.
The former Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis — the Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers nationwide has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective.
The Lifeline’s trained counselors are available 24/7 to answer your calls, texts or chats. They will listen, try to understand your problems, provide you with support, and connect you with additional resources. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
Understand the Differences Between 9-8-8, 9-1-1 and 2-1-1 >>
When someone you love is in crisis and needs support, it can be hard to know what to do.
Follow these five easy steps:
Step #1: ASK
Are you thinking about suicide? How do you hurt? How can I help?
Step #2: BE THERE
In person or on the phone. Show support. Listen. Keep promises to connect.
Step #3: KEEP THEM SAFE
If the person in crisis is suicidal, details matter: Do they have a plan, or ideas about timing or method? You can call 988 to support their crisis care.
Step #4: HELP THEM CONNECT
When someone is in crisis, connecting them with ongoing supports can help establish a safety net. Remind them they can call, text or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.Here are five steps you can take that are known to help:
Step #5: FOLLOW UP
After the immediate crisis is over, check in. That text or call afterwards makes a real difference.
Source: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Hey parents! Looking for an opportunity to help support your children’s mental health during the summer break? Crisis Text Line has created three unique toolkits to empower you in nurturing your child’s well-being while enjoying the summer season together.
There’s practical resources and activities to make this summer memorable and meaningful for your entire family. Get ready to embark on a journey of connection, growth, and fun-filled memories with your children!
Download FREE Toolkits for Elementary, Middle & High School-aged children >>
Recovery is possible.
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. struggle with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, addiction, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and other real, common and treatable conditions.
Take the first step towards managing your mental health with this FREE online screening. It is designed to help you determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
After you complete your online screening, you will receive information, resources, and tools to help you better understand and improve your mental health.
Source: Mental Health America (MHA)
Mental Health Resources for BIPOC Communities
Though mental health issues are common in all communities in the U.S., people of color tend to bear a disproportionate burden of disability resulting from mental disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
The APA reports that BIPOC people have higher rates of persistent mental health challenges and are less likely to receive mental health care than the general population.
Share these Mental Health resources with your community:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline counselors are available 24/7 year-round to speak to, including those trained to support LGBTQ+ youth and veterans.
Mental Health resources for BIPOC-identifying individuals seeking support for mental health concerns and/or coping with race-related stressors, whether current or historical.
44 Mental Health Resources for Black People includes links to influential thinkers and organizations focused on mental health in Black communities, directories for Black mental health practitioners, and helpful tips for seeking support.
Dedicated resources for Native and Indigenous people experiencing serious psychological distress.
Native and Indigenous Peoples Addiction and Mental Health Support from Live Another Day is a list of resources to support Native and indigenous mental health with a focus on suicide prevention and substance abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence helpline for Native Americans.
We R Native is a library of resources for Native and indigenous youth that includes practical strategies for building resilience, coping with diverse mental health challenges, and seeking help and support.
Source: American Psychiatric Association (APA), Massachusetts General Hospital, Self magazine, and the University of Washington (hr.uw.edu).
Roadmap to Daily Women’s Mental Health
Gender is a major part of life. It influences how we move through, how we see, and how we are viewed by the world. Although mental health among women looks similar to mental health in general, there are some unique considerations that are important to recognize. Whether you identify as a woman yourself or are looking to support women in your life, check out this Roadmap to Women’s Mental Health >>
Source: The Mental Health Coalition (thementalhealthcoalition.org)
Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
This series of guides, webinar, and handout can help professionals, families, and communities support the mental health and well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth.
Source: Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Child Mind Institute in partnership with Project UROK and Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
During difficult times, share these three important ways that transgender and non-binary individuals can support their own mental health:
Source: Active Minds
Crisis Text Line
Support at your fingertips – text with a trained counselor from the Crisis Text Line for FREE, 24/7.
For English – Text TALK to 741741
For Spanish – Text AYUDA to 741741
Forefront
Changing the way we talk–and what we do–about suicide in Washington, particularly on campuses and in K-12 schools.
How to Deal with Suicide: A Guide from Crisis Text Line
You matter and your life is worth fighting for. If you are in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone. Please talk to someone and seek help. Reaching out is the first step to safety.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Helping children understand trauma.
SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline
Advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ Elders.
CALL: 1 (877) 360-LGBT (5428)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
CALL or TEXT: 988
For Veterans – PRESS 1
For Spanish – PRESS 2
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth.
Suicide Prevention: A Guide for Military & Veteran Families
This guide will help you recognize when someone is at risk for suicide and understand the actions you can take to help.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Each year, our nation recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
The LGBT Help Center
Peer-support and local resources for all ages.
National Hotline: 1 (888) 843-4564
The Trevor Project
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
TrevorLifeline: Available 24/7 at 1 (866) 488-7386
TrevorText: Text TREVOR to 1 (202) 304-1200
TrevorChat: Via thetrevorproject.org
The Jed Foundation
Suicide prevention resources for college and university campuses, including campus faculty and staff, students and parents.
Trans Lifeline
Support for transgender people, by transgender people.
CALL: 1 (877) 565-8860
Where to Start
Using a jargon-free approach, this hard-cover book provides information on understanding warning signs, symptoms, and options for individuals and their mental health journey. 100% of sales support mental health awareness efforts. Purchase online at Mental Health America.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
CALL, TEXT or CHAT: 9-8-8
VISIT: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Anonymous & Free Crisis Counseling
CALL: 866-4-CRISIS
TEXT: SIGNS to 741741
Choose 180
VISIT: choose180.org
Comprehensive Healthcare
CALL: 800-572-8122
VISIT: comphc.org
Crisis Text Line
TEXT: CONVO to 741741
(FREE, confidential, 24/7, support)
FindSupport.gov
VISIT: FindSupport.gov
Find the right words for any scenario
VISIT: seizetheawkward.org
Hear Me Wa
CALL: 1-888-537-1634
TEXT: HearMeWA to 738477
VISIT: hearmewa.org
*Help is FREE and available 24/7 year-round for Washington Youth (up to age 25).
How to Talk About Mental Health
VISIT: thementalhealthcoalition.org/howto
Live Another Day
CALL: 1-866-934-6616 (Talk to a treatment advisor 24/7)
VISIT: liveanotherday.org
(Addiction & Mental Health Resources for All)
Mental Health Coalition’s Resource Library
VISIT: thementalhealthcoalition.org/resources (Find mental health resources most relevant to you)
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for New or Expecting Mothers
CALL: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS
National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)
CALL: (888)-945-9377
VISIT: nttacmentalhealth.org
Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center
Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, Mood Disorder Support Groups
CALL: 1-866-331-6270
VISIT: pathlightbh.com
Pathlight offers free, trained facilitator-led, support groups for those struggling with anxiety, trauma, OCD and mood disorders. Pathlight also offers some support groups for families and community members. These support groups provide support, resources and education on treatment and recovery.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
CALL: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
VISIT: FindSupport.gov is now available in Spanish! Visit EncuentraApoyo.gov to find support on your journey to seek help for mental health or substance use conditions.
Teenline – A Program of Didi Hirsche Mental Health Services
CALL: 1-800-852-8336
EMAIL: teenline.org/email-us
TEXT: TEEN to 839863 (7-days week, 6:00p – 9:00p PT)
VISIT: teenline.org
Trans Lifeline
CALL: 1-877-565-8860
VISIT: translifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line
CALL: 9-8-8, then Press 1
TEXT: 838255
CHAT: online now
VISIT: veteranscrisisline.net
Wanna Talk About It?
VISIT: wannatalkaboutit.com
We Can Talk About It
WATCH: seizetheawkward.org
2-1-1 Washington
VISIT: search.wa211.org
Behavioral Health Considerations for Endemic COVID-19 (PDF)
Catholic Charities
VISIT: catholiccharitiescw.org
CALL: 1-800-246-2962 (Serving Central WA)
Detox & Drug Rehab Centers in Washington
VISIT: liveanotherday.org
CALL: 1-866-934-6616 (Talk to a treatment advisor 24/7)
Help for behavioral health & recovery clients
VISIT: hca.wa.gov
Hear Me Wa
CALL: 1-888-537-1634
TEXT: HearMeWA to 738477
VISIT: hearmewa.org
*Help is FREE and available 24/7 year-round for Washington Youth (up to age 25).
King County Community Mental Health Resources (PDF)
King County Crisis & Commitment Services
VISIT: kingcounty.gov
CALL: 206-263-9200
Mental Health Resources for Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC)
VISIT: massgeneral.org
Resources & support for parents, families & teachers
VISIT: k12.wa.us
CALL: 360-725-6000
UW Husky Health & Well-Being (for Seattle Students)
VISIT: wellbeing.uw.edu
UW Medicine Peer to Peer Program (support for faculty, staff, and trainees)
VISIT: faculty.uwmedicine.org/p2p
REQUEST HELP: Use this form to request Peer to Peer Support
Washington Behavioral Health Resources
VISIT: wsccsupport.org
CALL: 253-251-2952
Washington Listens: No Insurance, No Fees, Just Support
VISIT: dcyf.wa.gov
Yakama Nation Behavioral Health Services
VISIT: yakama.com
CALL: 509-865-2266
American Psychiatric Association (Find a Psychiatrist)
VISIT: finder.psychiatry.org
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder)
VISIT: aacap.org
American Psychological Association (psychologist locator)
VISIT: locator.apa.org
SAMSHA’s Confidential & Anonymous Resource (Find treatment for Mental & Substance Use Disorders)
VISIT: findtreatment.gov
Watch this video entitled ‘New Mindset’ directed by Danny Capozzi for United for Global Mental Health.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides information on mental health.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) celebrates 75 years as one of 27 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal government’s principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIMH’s mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. To learn more, listen to NIMH’s Mental Health Matters Podcast >>
World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan
Provides information on mental health and substance use.
Visit our Digital Resource Center to learn more about Mental Health Awareness — plus, more injury and violence prevention topics year-round!
This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. No physician-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Neither HIPRC, the University of Washington, nor its employees, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
