May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of mental well-being and bring attention to the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions.
On Thursday, May 1, we invite everyone to wear green to support our community and those struggling with mental health. Green represents new life, growth, and hope, a symbol of mental well-being and recovery.
“Now more than ever, members of our community are facing mental health challenges,” said Commissioner Damōn Chaplin, Minneapolis Health Department. “Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Ignoring the warning signs and failing to ask for help can be detrimental to your overall mental well-being. I speak from personal experience – reaching out, sharing, and caring in the face of challenging situations can lead to a brighter and healthier day.”
City Council resolution
The Minneapolis City Council will declare May as Mental Health Awareness Month during the Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:30 p.m.
Several of our city partners will light up green in support:
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Do you need help or know someone who is struggling?
Call or text 988 for free. It’s confidential and provides 24/7 support for people in distress, and access to prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Find mental health resources on the City’s website.
Citywide campaign
This year’s campaign theme, “It's OK to Not Be OK: Break the Silence, End the Stigma” encourages open conversations and aims to reduce mental health stigma.
The campaign includes advertising on Metro Transit buses and light rail trains, in schools, at Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, and in other locations across the city.
Download posters and other campaign materials in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
Personal impact stories
Kara Hirdman
Kara Hirdman, a Public Health Specialist for Mental Well-Being at the Minneapolis Health Department, knows firsthand how mental health challenges can affect families. After losing her uncle to suicide, she dedicated herself to helping others who are struggling.
Watch Kara Hirdman's story on losing a loved one.
“I’ve lost several loved ones to suicide, including my uncle,” said Kara Hirdman, Public Health Specialist for Mental Well-Being at the Minneapolis Health Department. “It’s incredibly difficult knowing the people you love are struggling. You may not know the right words to say, but simply showing you care and being there for them can make a world of difference. Don’t hesitate. Speak up, offer support, or just be a shoulder to lean on.”
Antoine Carter
Minneapolis resident Antoine Carter shares his mental health journey and encourages others to talk, reach out, and find help when they’re struggling.
Watch Antoine's Story: It’s OK to not be OK: May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Ways to boost your mental health
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention even when feeling good. Taking care of yourself helps you feel better, maintain fulfilling relationships, and manage stress more effectively. There are simple ways to boost your mental well-being, including:
- Talk and connect with loved ones
- Try counseling or therapy
- Prioritize sleep
- Eat healthy meals
- Take a walk
- Spend 3 minutes in the car taking deep breaths before you go into work or the store
- Spend time with friends or family who make you laugh
- Read a book, watch a show, sip some tea for an hour, or just do something you enjoy
- Journal daily or weekly
- Listen to a positive podcast on mental health
- Get lunch with a friend or colleague
- Volunteer
- Learn Something New: Take a class, learn a new skill, or pursue a hobby.
- Take an animal on a field trip (Minneapolis Animal Care and Control)
It’s important to know that you are not alone. When we break the silence, we break the stigma.
Join NAMI Minnesota for Mental Health Awareness Month
NAMI Minnesota invites you to participate in free virtual and in-person classes designed to inform, empower, and connect people across our state. Whether you want to deepen your understanding of public policy, enhance your well-being, or learn how to help a loved one, there's something for you.
Learn more about NAMI Minnesota classes.
Share your photos
Show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing photos of yourself in green. Tag the Health Department on Facebook and use #GoGreenMinneapolisMHAM.