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Mental Health Is Health: Why Awareness Matters Every Month



May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to uplift stories of healing, remind each other we’re not alone, and break down the stigma that too often silences those struggling. Right here in Brooklyn, from Flatbush to Bed-Stuy, we see how culture, community, and conversation can be powerful tools for healing.

Started in 1949, this national observance reminds us of the importance of caring for our emotional and mental well-being just as we care for our physical health. It’s also a time to challenge outdated myths and embrace a more compassionate, informed approach to mental wellness.


At STOP Mental Health Stigma, we’re proud to join forces with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and local organizations to say loud and clear: Mental health is part of health. And no one should feel ashamed to seek support.


Understanding the Stigma

In many communities—especially among African American, Latino, and Caribbean families—mental health still carries stigma. It’s often misunderstood, dismissed, or kept behind closed doors.


But silence doesn’t equal strength. Stigma can prevent people from seeking help, delay treatment, and worsen symptoms. It’s time to shift that narrative and create spaces where healing is possible without judgment.


This Year’s Theme: “Take the Moment”


NAMI’s 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month theme is “Take the Moment.” That means:

  • Taking the time to check in on yourself and those around you.

  • Taking the space to breathe, rest, reflect, and recover.

  • Taking the opportunity to learn, speak up, and be part of the movement to normalize mental health conversations.

In Brooklyn, this can look like a parent talking to their child about stress, a barber sharing his story of therapy with a customer, or a neighbor encouraging someone to call 988.


How You Can Get Involved

Here are a few simple ways to honor Mental Health Awareness Month—right where you are:


💬 Talk About It

The more we speak openly, the more we normalize mental health. Start a conversation with your family, friends, or faith group.


📚 Educate Yourself

Visit NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Month hub or StopMentalHealthStigma.com to learn about common conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.


🎨 Get Creative

Use your voice or your art to express your journey. Whether it’s a poem, dance, painting, or Instagram post—your truth has power.


📞 Use Available Resources

Support is just a phone call away. Call or text 988 (NYC Well) to speak to a trained counselor. Services are confidential and available 24/7.


🤝 Show Up for Others

Be a listener. Be a supporter. Be someone who doesn’t judge. You never know how much your presence can mean to someone in pain.


Real Stories, Real Healing

At STOP Mental Health Stigma, we’ve heard from Brooklyn residents who turned pain into purpose:

  • Janelle, a Caribbean-American mom, finally reached out for therapy after years of pushing through grief alone. “Talking to someone saved my life,” she shared.

  • Andre, a Flatbush artist, uses journaling and community events to deal with anxiety. “I realized I didn’t have to be silent to be strong.”

These are the stories we want more of. Stories of courage, healing, and growth. Stories that remind us we’re all in this together.


Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Mental Health Awareness Month may only last 31 days, but the journey toward mental wellness is lifelong—and deeply worth it.

Let’s make Brooklyn a place where healing is supported, not silenced. Let’s uplift each other, challenge the stigma, and keep showing up.


Because mental health is part of health—and you are not alone.


To learn more about STAR Program visit www.STARProgram.nyc


Need help? Call or text NYC Well at 988 or visit StopMentalHealthStigma.com.



 
 
 

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