Sometimes, a simple statement can hit closer to home than we expect. While 88% of Americans believe there’s no shame in having a mental health disorder, the reality is—there’s still a deep stigma around speaking openly about it.
Every year, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental health challenge, yet nearly 60% don’t receive the treatment they need. That’s a gap we can no longer afford to ignore.
As we move into the renewal season in 2025, breaking the stigma around mental health has never been more urgent.
Why? Mental health awareness is not merely a fleeting moment but a continuous movement. Whether you’re advocating for yourself, standing beside a loved one, or inspiring change in your community, remember that your voice and your actions can make a difference. The stigma stops when we start talking.
Here are 10 ways to powerfully support mental health awareness in 2025 and make a significant impact on change.
1. Start Honest Conversations
Mental health discussions bring in much-needed normalcy and encourage anyone to feel safe to share their own experiences. Often, sparks change from these earnest discussions between two souls. It might be just a little conversation with a friend while having coffee, or it may be a heartfelt expression on social media—these words open doors for people and help them feel less alone in this world.
👉 Looking for conversation starters? Visit Mental Health America for helpful resources and tips on how to talk about mental health.
2. Wear a Symbol of Hope
We all have days when we need a reminder that brighter moments are just ahead. That’s where a meaningful, tangible symbol can make all the difference.
The My Story Isn’t Over Yet Ring isn’t just inspirational jewelry—it’s a powerful statement ring of resilience and hope. Worn as a daily reminder of inner strength, it encourages you—and those who see it—to keep going, keep believing, and keep turning the page. Because every chapter matters, and the best parts of your story are still waiting to be written.
Symbolic jewelry doesn’t just inspire you; it sparks important conversations and offers hope to those silently struggling.
3. Educate Yourself and Others
The more we understand, the more compassionate we become. Take time to learn about mental health conditions, how they affect people’s lives, and why language matters. When you share that knowledge, whether through a heartfelt conversation or a social post, you become part of the movement to replace stigma with understanding.
👉 Need a place to start? Explore valuable resources from NAMI to learn more.
4. Support Mental Health Organizations
Sometimes, making a difference means standing behind those already doing the work. Whether you donate, volunteer your time, or simply amplify their voices, supporting mental health organizations fuels hope for countless lives. Remember—even small contributions can lead to life-changing moments for someone in need.
5. Advocate for Policy Change
Real change happens when we raise our voices where it matters most. Advocate for better mental health resources in your community, schools, and workplaces. Write to your representatives, attend local meetings, and remind decision-makers that mental health deserves to be a priority. Change doesn’t happen overnight—but it always starts with someone brave enough to speak up.
6. Prioritize Your Mental Health
You can’t show up for others if you’re running on empty. Take time to check in with yourself. Rest when you’re tired. Set healthy boundaries. Reach out for help when you need it. Remember, caring for your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s an act of courage and a beautiful example for those around you.
👉 Consider exploring how the APA Foundation is working to improve mental health outcomes.
7. Challenge Stigmatizing Language
Our words have power. Perhaps the strongest power of all. The casual comments we often make—sometimes without thinking—can either build people up or tear them down. That doesn’t feel good for anyone involved. As they say, words cut like a knife, so choose words that bring light, not judgment or pain. And when you hear harmful words, it's okay to offer a gentle correction. Changing how we speak about mental health, and to one another, is one of the simplest ways to start shifting the narrative.
👉 Visit Mental Health America for helpful resources and tips on how to talk about mental health.
8. Share Your Story (When You’re Ready)
Your story matters. Whether it’s one person or one hundred who hears it, sharing your journey might be the exact light someone else needs in their darkest moment. Speak when you’re ready—there’s no timeline for healing. And know that every time you open up, you make it easier for others to believe in their own tomorrow.
9. Encourage Mental Health Programs in Workplaces and Schools
We spend so much of our lives at work and in the classroom—places that should feel safe and supportive. Advocate for mental health resources in these spaces.. From counseling services to mental health days, small changes can create environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for.
👉 Looking for helpful tools? Visit Mental Health America’s Workplace Resources.
10. Be Present and Compassionate
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up. Sit with someone in their hard moments. Be a steady hand, a listening ear, a reminder that they’re not alone. And when words fall short, a small act of kindness—a heartfelt note, a thoughtful check-in, or a meaningful gift like the My Story Isn’t Over Yet Ring—can say more than words ever could.
If you or someone you know needs support right now:
• National Crisis Hotline: 988
• NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.