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Mental Health Awareness Month 2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to recognize how important mental health is in our everyday lives. It reminds us that our thoughts, feelings, and emotional well-being matter just as much as our physical health. For youth and young adults, especially those with disabilities, taking time to understand and care for mental health can make a meaningful difference in building confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.  

Mental Health Challenges Among Youth

  

Many young adults face challenges that can impact their mental health, including stress, anxiety, social pressures, and life transitions. Navigating school, work, relationships, and personal goals can feel overwhelming at times. Acknowledging these challenges is an important first step toward finding healthy ways to cope, seek support, and build resilience.

The video, "Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Challenges Among Youth" discusses the growing mental health challenges facing youth and young adults, including stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. It explains some common warning signs that someone may be struggling and emphasizes the importance of speaking openly about mental health, seeking support, and checking in on others

You can watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UneG510E598


Mental Health Month 2026 Planning Guide  

Mental Health Awareness Month also encourages open conversations and reduces stigma. By talking more openly about mental health, we create spaces where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and ask for help. This month serves as a reminder that no one has to navigate their journey alone, and that support, understanding, and resources are available.

This planning guide, created by Mental Health America, was made to help schools, workplaces, organizations, health professionals, and communities plan activities and awareness efforts during May. The theme for 2026 is “More Good Days, Together.” The guide focuses on helping people define what a “good day” means for them personally and encouraging communities to support mental wellness together, while explaining that a good day does not always mean feeling happy or productive — it can simply mean feeling calm, comfortable, or manageable. 

Check out the whole guide here: https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-MHM-Planning-Guide.pdf


What are your thoughts on Mental Health Awareness Month? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below!


The SPAN Youth Chat

On June 3rd, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a presentation related to self-advocacy. More details are to come.




Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.

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