May Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit:
Connection is Prevention
Approximately one in five American adults is living with a mental health issue at any time. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to spotlight some of the ways we can support mental health and protect against suicide.
We know that building connections helps support individuals and strengthens communities. So for Mental Health Awareness Month 2026, we’ve developed a toolkit focusing on the power of connection as suicide prevention.
This toolkit has ideas, messages, and resources to share and help raise awareness about supporting mental health and suicide prevention. We’ll be sharing information from this toolkit on our social media throughout the month, and we invite you to do so too. Start a conversation with someone about mental health today.
Thank you to the Washington State Department of Health for their support of this campaign.
Ways to Use this Toolkit
- Share resources like the graphics and videos on your social media platforms.
- Highlight information in your organization’s newsletter or via your email listserve or blog.
- Talk about mental health with people you know – colleagues, classmates, family members, congregants, neighbors, clients, baristas, friends.
Banner Images
Download banner image with the May Mental Health Awareness Month theme.
Week 1: Asking Directly About Suicide
- Goal: Encourage people to ask others about their well-being and recognize the importance of direct conversations around mental health.
- Message: “Asking about suicide directly will not CAUSE suicide.”
- Call to Action: Reach out to a friend or family member and ask how they’re doing.
DOWNLOAD: Myth vs Fact Graphic: Asking about Suicide
VIDEO: Example conversation between parent and teen.
VIDEOS: UW Student Videos on the Power of Connection
Week 2: Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
- Goal: Build awareness of suicide warning signs and strengthen confidence in listening and responding when someone may be struggling.
- Message: “Knowing the warning signs and listening with care can help us recognize when someone may need support. Paying attention and taking concerns seriously can make a difference.”
- Call to Action: Learn the warning signs of suicide, check in with the people around you, and create space for honest, supportive conversations.
DOWNLOAD: Myth vs Fact: Suicide Warning Signs
RESOURCE: SAMHSA Warning Signs of Suicide
Week 3: Moments of Crisis
- Goal: Increase awareness that moments of crisis are often temporary and emphasize the role support and connection can play in helping someone through difficult moments.
- Message: “Moments of crisis can feel overwhelming, but they do not last forever. Support, connection, and reaching out can help people move through difficult moments.”
- Call to Action: Check in with someone, stay connected during difficult times, and help create pathways to support when someone may be struggling.
DOWNLOAD: Myth vs Fact: Crisis Moments
VIDEO: Veteran and firearms dealer connects with fellow veteran.
RESOURCE: Study reveals likelihood of successful suicide attempts after a first attempt
Week 4: Lethal Means – Reducing Access, Saving Lives
- Goal: Raise awareness about lethal means safety and its role in suicide prevention.
- Message: “Simple actions like safe storage can save lives.”
- Call to Action: Learn about lethal means safety and share resources.
Download one page handout “3 Tips to Make Your Home Safer”
Sign up for a free firearm locking device
VIDEO: Firearms retailer connects with distressed customer.
VIDEO: Man talks with suicidal friend about removing medications from home.
Week 5: Anyone Can Do Crisis Support
- Goal: Educate the public about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and how it can help in a crisis.
- Message: “988 is here for you. Call, text, or chat anytime.”
- Call to Action: Save 988 in your phone and share it with others.
VIDEO: What is 988 and how does it work?
DOWNLOAD: Myth vs Fact: Who can prevent suicide?
Download 988 carousel post
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Toolkit PDF
Other Resources
Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Suicide Prevention Speakers Bureau
Legislative Toolkit
988 Print-ready promotional material files