Supporting Student Well-Being: Mental Health Awareness Month


May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being for all students and to highlight how schools and families can work together to support mental health.

Mental health is an essential part of a child’s overall development. It affects how students think, feel, learn, and interact with others. Just like physical health, mental health deserves attention, understanding, and care.

Why Mental Health Matters in Schools

Students today face a variety of challenges, including academic demands, social pressures, and changes in routine. When students are struggling emotionally, it can impact:

  • Attention and concentration.

  • Motivation and engagement.

  • Behavior and relationships.

  • Academic performance.

Supporting mental health helps students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Signs a Student May Need Support

Every child is different, but some signs that a student may be experiencing emotional difficulty include:

  • Increased irritability or withdrawal.

  • Changes in sleep or energy levels.

  • Difficulty focusing or completing work.

  • Avoidance of school or activities.

  • Strong reactions to everyday situations.

These behaviors are often a form of communication, signaling that a student may need additional support.

How Schools Support Student Mental Health

Student Services staff play an important role in supporting students by:

  • Providing individual or small group counseling.

  • Teaching coping and emotional regulation skills.

  • Supporting problem-solving and social skills development.

  • Collaborating with teachers and families.

  • Connecting students with additional resources when needed.

Schools also promote mental health through positive school climates, predictable routines, and supportive relationships.

How Families Can Support Mental Health at Home

Families play a critical role in supporting children’s emotional well-being. Helpful strategies include:

  • Maintaining consistent routines.

  • Encouraging open conversations about feelings.

  • Listening without judgment.

  • Promoting healthy sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

  • Helping children develop coping strategies for stress.

Even small, everyday interactions can make a big difference.

Building a Culture of Support

When schools and families work together, we create environments where students feel:

  • Safe to express themselves.

  • Supported during challenges.

  • Connected to caring adults and peers.

These protective factors are crucial to achieving long-term success and maintaining well-being.

Additional Mental Health Resources

Mental Health America's theme - More Good Days, Together - encourages us to reflect on what a "good" day looks like, for ourselves and our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all. They've created a 2026 Mental Health Month Action Guide with access to online activities, articles, printable tools, and practical resources.    

National Alliance on Mental Illness's 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month theme invites everyone to join NAMI in speaking up against mental health stigma. By sharing our lived experiences, learning from each other's experiences, and building strong community connections, we can challenge stigma and create spaces where people are supported, understood, and find healing.

Every story shared turns silence into connection, and connection into healing. Together, we can strengthen communities and create opportunities for empathy, understanding, and meaningful change. 


NAMI offers several graphs and sample captions to share your own story, honor someone you care about, or help normalize conversations about mental health. When you post, you're strengthening community and turning awareness into action. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created a toolkit offering comprehensive resources in a central location that you can download and share. Some content can be customized for the needs of your audience. The toolkit includes:

  •  Key messages and themes for each week in May.
  • Social media content, graphics, and promotional materials designed for your audiences and media channels.
  • Messaging that encourages acceptance and support of people living with mental illness.
  • Best practices for supportive and beneficial discussions about mental health.
  • Additional resources for increasing awareness about mental health in May and beyond.
You can show your support for mental health awareness by wearing green all month long! Green is the official color for mental health awareness, symbolizing renewal, hope, and vitality. By wearing green, you are showing your support for mental health and advocating for its importance. Let's raise awareness and support mental health initiatives throughout the month!  

A Final Thought

Mental health is just as important as academic success. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support, we can help all students build the skills they need to navigate challenges and thrive.

If you have concerns about your child or a student, please contact your school’s Student Services Department for support.


If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, help is available now.

Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.


#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

#MHAM2026

#MHAM

#YouAreNotAlone

#SeeThePerson

#MentalHealthMatters

#SupportMatters

#WordsMatter

Mental Health America

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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