This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the organizations and communities working every day to support mental wellness and reduce stigma.
Since 1949, May has marked Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to promoting mental wellness in the United States.
This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” highlights the importance of personalized and community-centered approaches to mental health.
By encouraging reflection on what a “good day” means for different individuals and communities, the campaign seeks to connect people to mental health support, advance advocacy and education, and foster greater community engagement.
According to the 2025 “The State of Mental Health in America,” 23.4% (about 60 million people) of American adults experienced a mental illness in 2024.
In addition, 17.7% (46 million) struggled with a substance use disorder; and 5.5% (14 million) reported serious thoughts of suicide.
While some measures showed improvement among youth aged 12 to 17, 11.3% (nearly 3 million) of these young people experienced a major depressive episode in 2024.
Beyond the prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders, the report points to other concerning trends.
More than 77% of adults with substance use disorders in 2023 and 2024 did not receive treatment, while 28.6% of adolescents did not receive a preventive health visit in 2024.
The report also found that one quarter of adults experiencing mental illness were uninsured.
With so many friends, neighbors, and family members affected by mental health and substance use challenges, Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to consider how we can support one another.
This May, we share some of the recommendations offered by BBB Accredited Charity National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI):
Speak up against mental health stigma.
Share personal experiences and listen to others to help build stronger community connections.
Help create supportive spaces that foster understanding, connection, and healing for those affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.
If you’d like to support mental health charities this May, consider starting with our 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and finding specific charities through our Alphabetical List.
Below are a few of our Accredited Charities working every day to address mental health challenges:
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD) funds scientific research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, autism, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
Mental Health America promotes mental health as part of overall wellness through prevention, early identification, intervention, integrated care initiatives, advocacy, education, and research.
NAMI works to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness through advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Its volunteer network delivers peer-led education programs, skills training, and support services for community members.
Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services for veterans and service members, including outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional assistance. It also offers support in financial education, employment services, and benefits navigation.
If you or anyone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Lifeline.
We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:
Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.
