May is Mental Health Awareness Month

may is mental health month

Join us to recognize Mental Health Awareness in May

Each May Howard Center joins the community in marking National Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of mental health for the wellbeing of all Vermonters.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) tells us that about one in every five U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year and one in every 15 experience a serious mental illness. Whether it’s because of the stigma still associated with seeking help for mental health needs, misunderstandings about the signs of mental illness, or a lack of knowledge about available services, less than half of the Americans who experience mental illness each year will receive treatment.

May is a great time to learn more about recognizing the signs of mental illness and the many services and supports available here in Vermont. Howard Center and other organizations like NAMI, Vermont Care Partners, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health all have informative websites where you can learn about common signs of mental illness and places to find help in your area. Many organizations also hold public events and presentations now and throughout the year where you can learn more.

SEE OUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS HERE.

Please take a look at our one-page columns and resources that address areas of concern for most individuals and families:  Mental Health & Youth Ι Racism & Mental Health Ι Anxiety Ι Depression Ι Social Connection

View or download a copy of our Suicide Prevention booklet.


Resources and Information

Local ResourcesNational ResourcesArticles & Publications
First Call For Chittenden County
National Suicide HelplineHoward Center Programs
Vermont Care PartnersNational Council for Behavioral HealthSuicide Prevention Guide
Partners for AccessSAMHSA National HelplineFacts about Depression
Vermont 2-1-1
NAMIMental Health Literacy
Pathways VermontChild Mind InstituteWellness Tips
VT HelplinkNational Institute of Mental HealthTips for Parents of Teens
Vermont Department of Mental HealthMental Health AmericaKeeping your home safe
AALVDepression & Bipolar Support AllianceColumn: Easing Stress
Vermont Suicide Prevention CenterCrisis Text LineVT Department of Mental Health - MHAM Newsletter Week 1
Vermont Federation of Families for Children's Mental HealthHELP PosterVT Department of Mental Health - MHAM Newsletter Week 2
Vermont Family Network
UMatter Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention
Pride Center of Vermont
Invest EAP
Age Well

Videos from our October WMHD Free Speaker Series

October 7 | Supporting resilience in the face of unrelenting uncertainty.
Simha Ravven, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Howard Center 

Dr. Ravven talks about ways caretakers can care for themselves and support resilience in themselves and others in times of ongoing stress.

October 19 | Good beginnings for the youngest among us.
Liz Mitchell, LICSW, Early Childhood Program Director, Howard Center.

How do we as parents and caregivers support the early childhood years?

October 28 | Compassion fatigue for the whole community. Beth Goss, LCMHC, Director of Client Care and Coordination, Howard Center. 

Beth discusses signs of burnout and other risk factors and help us to identify practical ways to protect and nurture our strengths, better manage our stressors, and find balance in our lives. Click on image below to play full webinar.