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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 6, 2024, 4 Minute Read

Mental health significantly impacts worker productivity, engagement, and overall company success. Mental Health Awareness Month is an important reminder to prioritize mental wellness programs for the workforce by offering tailored solutions, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), to your clients.

To promote mental health awareness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is offering a comprehensive campaign during May. Each week focuses on a different group, starting with older adults, followed by children and teens, pregnant and postpartum individuals, racial and ethnic minority groups, and  LGBTQIA+ communities. The campaign provides actionable insights to help you and your clients address the unique mental health challenges faced by these demographics.

SAMHSA Mental Health Campaign

Week 1: May 1-4 (Older Adults)

Supporting the unique mental health needs of older adults.
As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health.

• Getting help at any age and stage of life is appropriate. Start now.
• It is important to remember that older adults may have different mental health symptoms. For example, a lack of interest in some activities.
• Talking about mental health can help older adults feel more comfortable asking for support.
• Mental health treatment can be part of a wellness program to help older adults live happy and fulfilling lives.
• Mental health professionals can help older adults cope with life changes.
• Friends and family can experience meaningful mutual connection by spending time visiting with older adults.
• Mental health is important at every age. Spending time with friends and family can boost older adults’ mental and physical health.

Week 2: May 5-11 (Children and Teens)

Resources to help children and teens build resilience, self-care strategies, and skills for managing life stressors in healthy ways.
Supportive families, communities, and resources can help youth build strong foundations for lifelong well-being.

• By teaching children and teens coping skills, we can empower them to take charge of their mental health.
• Know the signs of mental health issues in children and teens. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
• Start the conversation early: talking about mental health can help children and teens build coping skills and feel comfortable with their emotions.
• Nurturing relationships and environments are important for helping children and teens develop good mental health and manage life stressors in healthy ways.
• Good mental health increases the ability of children and teens to practice self-care and face challenges with resilience.

Week 3: May 12-18 (Pregnant and Postpartum People)

Recognizing the importance of maternal mental health among pregnant and postpartum people.
Pregnancy and giving birth can be joyful and can also present a variety of strong emotions for pregnant and postpartum people.

• Strong emotions may include feeling overwhelmed, scared, tired, worried, and inadequate. Depression, anxiety, and other symptoms during and after pregnancy are common and treatable. They affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level.
• For many people, these feelings go away on their own, in time. But for some, these emotions are more serious and require assistance. Help is available. You are not alone. Asking for help can help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
• Unaddressed maternal health issues can lead to pregnancy-related death and unintentional harm to you or your baby.
• Proper self-care and seeking help when you need it can help you maintain good mental health.

Week 4: May 19-25 (Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups)

The unique challenges, strengths, and contexts that affect mental health in people from racial and ethnic minority groups.
Everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care.

• Members of racial and ethnic minority groups experience challenges that may require unique mental health support.
• Cultural differences should be respected and celebrated when providing mental health support.
• Mental health care providers are encouraged to consider the cultural nuances and needs of the diverse communities they serve.
• Addressing and reducing barriers to treatment are the first steps to building more equitable health systems.
• Together, we can improve access to mental health care for people from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Week 5: May 26-31 (LGBTQIA+ Communities)

Building support for mental well-being in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Inclusive families, schools, and societies can support mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Family support is important for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth: it can reduce their risk for depression, substance use, suicide, and other mental health challenges.
• Schools and workplaces can protect LGBTQIA+ people by building more supportive and inclusive environments.
• Social support, including from friends, families, and communities can help LGBTQIA+ people feel loved and accepted.
• Peer support can be a lifeline for LGBTQIA+ people facing mental health issues.
• Acknowledging and celebrating the identities of LGBTQIA+ people helps build their self-confidence and emotional well-being.

As one of the few Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that serve small employers, The Holman Group provides comprehensive and cost-effective behavioral health and substance use services to reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism, minimize turnover, and enhance employee well-being and performance.

The EAP can be offered as a standalone benefit or seamlessly integrated with other mental health and substance abuse programs, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing employee needs.

To request a Holman EAP quote, contact us today.

Contact Us For a Holman EAP Quote

Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

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