Mental Health Month
October 1 - October 31
About Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month in October is a US observance that brings together a range of campaigns focused on mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. While Mental Health Awareness Month in the US is primarily observed in May, October contains several major mental health observances including Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and National Depression Screening Day, making it a significant month for mental health advocacy and community action.
What is Mental Health Month in October?
October’s mental health observances are anchored by two major campaigns. Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), established by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and recognised by Congress in 1990, runs during the first full week of October each year. World Mental Health Day, established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 and observed on 10 October, provides the international focal point. Together, these campaigns aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, promote understanding, encourage people to seek help, and advocate for improved mental health policies and services across the country.
When is Mental Health Month?
October’s mental health awareness activities run throughout the month, with Mental Illness Awareness Week falling during the first full week of October, and World Mental Health Day on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The month-long context provides an extended period for community events, education campaigns, and personal reflection.
Why Mental Health Month Matters
Mental health conditions affect approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States each year, representing around 57 million people. Anxiety disorders are the most common, followed by major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite this prevalence, stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment: research suggests that fewer than half of adults with mental health conditions in the US receive treatment in any given year. Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or circumstance, and the economic cost of untreated mental health conditions, including lost productivity, hospitalisation, and substance abuse, runs to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. October’s awareness campaigns provide critical opportunities to normalise conversations about mental health and direct people toward the support they need. You can also connect with World Mental Health Day on 10 October for the international focal point within this month.
How to Get Involved in Mental Health Month
There are many ways to participate in October’s mental health awareness activities:
- Attend a NAMI event – NAMI runs free education programmes, support groups, and awareness events throughout October. Visit the NAMI website to find local activities.
- Take a mental health screening – Free, anonymous mental health screenings are available at mhascreening.org throughout October. If results suggest you might benefit from support, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional.
- Talk openly about mental health – Start a conversation about mental health with someone you trust. Honest, supportive conversations are one of the most powerful tools for reducing stigma.
- Share verified information – Post accurate facts about mental health conditions, treatment options, and resources on social media to counter myths and misinformation.
- Support someone struggling – Reach out to a friend, colleague, or family member you know has been having a difficult time. Simply asking “how are you really doing?” can make a genuine difference.
- Advocate for workplace mental health – Encourage your employer to review mental health policies, provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes, and create a culture where it is safe to discuss mental health challenges.
- Donate or volunteer – Support NAMI, Mental Health America, or your local community mental health centre through donations of money or time.
History of Mental Health Month
The broader history of mental health awareness in the United States begins in 1949, when Mental Health America (then the National Mental Health Association) first designated May as Mental Health Month, a campaign that continues to this day. October’s mental health observances have a different origin.
Congress officially established Mental Illness Awareness Week in 1990, the result of sustained advocacy by NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness), which was founded in 1979 by a group of families frustrated by the lack of public understanding and resources for people with serious mental illness. NAMI’s goal was to ensure that the first week of October would be a nationally recognised moment for education and awareness.
World Mental Health Day was established separately by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, with the first observance on 10 October 1992. The World Health Organization became a co-sponsor of the day and has used it each year to focus on a specific global mental health theme. The convergence of these two major campaigns in October, along with National Depression Screening Day, has created a rich and well-recognised month for mental health advocacy.
Noteworthy Facts About Mental Health Month
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition each year, representing around 57 million people.
- NAMI was founded in 1979 and has grown to become the largest grassroots mental health organisation in the United States.
- Mental Illness Awareness Week was established by Congress in 1990, following years of advocacy by NAMI.
- World Mental Health Day has been observed internationally on 10 October each year since 1992.
- The economic cost of mental illness in the United States, including treatment, lost earnings, and related costs, is estimated at over USD 200 billion annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mental Health Month in October?
October contains several significant US and international mental health awareness observances, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Together they form a month of heightened focus on mental health education, stigma reduction, and advocacy.
When is Mental Health Month in 2026?
October’s mental health awareness activities run from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October 2026, with World Mental Health Day on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Is Mental Health Month in May or October?
Both. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, led by Mental Health America. October contains the separate but complementary Mental Illness Awareness Week, established by Congress in 1990 via NAMI, and World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Spread the Word
Help reduce mental health stigma this October by sharing information, personal stories, and resources with your community. Use the hashtags #MentalHealthMonth and #MentalHealthMonth2026. Every conversation about mental health helps someone feel less alone.
Related Awareness Days
- World Mental Health Day – Observed on 10 October, this international day is the focal point of October’s mental health awareness activities worldwide.
- National Depression Education and Awareness Month – Running throughout October, this dedicated observance focuses specifically on depression awareness and education.
- ADHD Awareness Month – Also in October, this month raises awareness of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
Links
2026 Health Awareness Calendar
Health and wellbeing awareness days throughout the year. Perfect for clinics, HR teams, and schools.
View Calendar →
