Mental Health Month and the call to action

Abstract

May marks Mental Health Month in much of the world. The 2025 theme selected by Mental Health America is Turn Awareness into Action . Over the course of the month, campaigns also highlight awareness of mental health for specific groups, including children and older adults, as well as communities and support networks. The theme links the notion of harnessing increased awareness of mental health, including recognition of individual journeys and advances in mental health science, with action through advocacy and policy. This year’s Mental Health Month comes against a backdrop of a steadily increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, rising youth mental health concerns, increased suicide rates, and political and social upheaval — reinforcing the need for the mental health research community to come together to stave off the backslide of progress and to collectively work for sustainable solutions during this crisis.