May Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit:
Conversations, Community, and Crisis Support
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 2025, we’ve developed a toolkit focusing on Conversations, Community and Crisis Support.
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.
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 images with the May Mental Health Awareness Month theme.
Download Banner Pack
Week 1: Asking – The Power of Checking In
- Goal: Encourage people to ask others about their well-being and recognize the importance of direct conversations around mental health.
- Message: “If you’re concerned, ask.”
- Call to Action: Reach out to a friend or family member and ask how they’re doing.
Download Example Post (open and right-click to save)
Download Example Carousel Post
VIDEO: Example conversation between parent and teen.
Week 2: Listening – Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation
- Goal: Teach active listening skills and the importance of providing non-judgmental support.
- Message: “Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful ways to support someone.”
- Call to Action: Practice active listening and create safe spaces for conversations.
Download Example Post (open and right-click to save)
Download Example Carousel Post
VIDEO: Empathy and active listening by Berne Brown
Week 3: Building Community – Strength in Connection
- Goal: Highlight the role of community in mental health and suicide prevention.
- Message: “We are stronger together. Community can prevent suicide.”
- Call to Action: Find a support group, volunteer, or create spaces for connection.
Download Example Post 1 (open and right-click to save)
Download Example Post 2 (open and right-click to save)
VIDEO: Veteran and firearms dealer connects with fellow veteran.
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: 988 – Crisis Support for Everyone
- 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 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