Highlighting Mental Health Every Year
We observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May to celebrate the millions of Americans who are in recovery, and remind us that with accessible support, treatment, and strong community connections, people can and DO recover.
In partnership with the Washington Recovery Alliance, regional coalitions across the state, and local community partners, we promote and celebrate resilience and wellness during Mental Health Month through a variety of events and activities.
History of Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person’s overall health.
This year we are inviting everyone to get outside for our mental health and wellbeing. On Saturday, May 22, join us in our #FreshAir4MentalHealth initiative.
In a time where we are all facing additional life stressors because of the impacts of COVID-19 on our communities, it’s more important than ever to get creative with how we can thrive, grow our resilience and safely stay connected.
This year, we’re trying something brand new: #FreshAir4MentalHealth
You can participate on your own, with friends and family, however works best for you. Enjoy the sunshine. Have a picnic. Take a self-directed walk or hike, use WTA’s Trailblazer App for inspiration and check out WTA’s hiking doc with 5 King County suggestions for us. Join some of us for a distanced group hike at a location in King County on the 22nd. We’ll have a Facebook group for you to share your thoughts, videos and pictures from your fresh air moment. Don’t forget to use the hashtag (#FreshAir4MentalHealth) when you post on your socials.
Want to join the (physically distanced) fun? Share the story of your fresh air experience with us? Consider our group hike opportunity in King County? Want to start group hike in your region outside of King County? Sign up here and we’ll email you access to the hike information, including links to ADA accessible trails, from our partner Washington Trails Association and access to the Facebook group, too!
For more information on connecting safe ways, see the current King County COVID-19 Guidance and Restrictions and/or WTA’s #RecreateResponsibly.
Don’t have access to email? You can get more info and resources from calling us at (253) 363 -9336.
Other Mental Health Month 2021 Events & Resources
- King County Behavioral Health & Recovery Division (BHRD)
- NAMI Walks fundraiser kickoff 5/22
- Michael Smythies, #Climbing4Youth fundraiser, kicking off May 22
- Washington Trail Association https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/recreate-responsibly-outdoors-for-all
- WTA Hiking Doc
You can find additional virtual events and activities on our calendar.
Thank you to our partners:
