May: A Month of Youth Empowerment
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May is a powerful month for health awareness. Three important initiatives converge, each with the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people: Mental Health Awareness Month, National Prevention Week (held the second week of May), and World No Tobacco Day (May 31st).
The intersection of these awareness events creates a unique opportunity to address the interconnectedness of mental wellbeing, healthy habits, and the dangers of substance use, particularly for young people.
Mental Health Matters—in May and Beyond
Throughout May, the topic of mental health will be in the spotlight across the country. The organization known today as Mental Health America (MHA), founded by Connecticut native Clifford Whittingham Beers, first commemorated Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. The initiative is also sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World”—a choice that acknowledges both how modern society affects our mental health and how it offers us a variety of paths towards healing. Overall, we’ve made great strides in acknowledging the importance of mental health, but when a mental health issue affects you personally, it can still be difficult to know “where to start.”
Getting the word out about protective strategies and coping tools is urgent, as research shows rising mental health challenges among young people. SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that among adolescents age 12-17, almost one-fifth (19.5%, or 4.8 million young people) had experienced a major depressive episode. 13.4% of adolescents (3.4 million young people) had considered suicide.
From outreach ideas and shareable graphics to articles and screening tests, MHA has compiled resources to help everyone observe Mental Health Awareness Month, whether in a public forum or privately:
- Share your own story on social media to help break the stigma around mental illness.
- Reach out to your local lawmakers to advocate for policies and practices that will improve mental health in your community.
- Check in on the mental health of your loved ones, offering a listening ear or supporting them in finding treatment.
- Don’t forget to consider your own mental health. Are you taking care of yourself? Do you have healthy methods for coping with stress?
The Importance of Prevention
National Prevention Week, observed this year from May 12-18, 2024 with the theme “A Celebration of Possibility,” showcases how communities and organizations are working to prevent substance use and promote positive mental health.
The link between mental health and substance use is strong, and most often begins in adolescence. Results from the 2022 NSDUH show that 26.1% of young people (age 12-17) who had experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year had also used illicit drugs in that timeframe, while only 11.5% of young people without a past-year MDE had used illicit drugs.
Among all age groups, alcohol remains the most widely used substance. Yet as the table below shows, nicotine (via vaping) and cannabis are catching up quickly—and the difference is less pronounced among the youngest users, those age 12-17. Educating children and teens on the dangers of these substances is crucial.
Source: 2022 NSDUH, SAMHSA. Click to view larger ›
Preventative measures implemented among young people are the best tool for stopping addictions before they ever start, and thereby also contribute to a reduction in mental health crises. Campaigns for mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention go hand-in-hand for good reason; at their most effective, they can help build a strong foundation for young people’s lifelong wellness.
The Impact of Tobacco
Finally, on the last day of May we observe World No Tobacco Day, created by the World Health Organization in 1987. This year’s focus is especially vital: protecting children from tobacco industry interference.
With this theme, the WHO calls for new policies to shield young people from “the relentless marketing” of tobacco companies—in addition to an endless stream of new, high-nicotine products that can be used discreetly, these marketing tactics include sweet flavor options and candy-like packaging designs, which are correlated with an increased willingness of young people to try these products.
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances available today, and the risk for lifelong dependency is highest among those who first try it during youth. The dangerous side effects of this stimulant are also most concerning for young users, as it can increase their risk of mood disorders and suicidality. Far too often, these risks are underestimated or misunderstood by young people. World No Tobacco Day aims to change that by clearing the smoke around tobacco’s misconceptions and misdirections.
Empowering Change for Young People
Mental health, substance use prevention, and healthy habits are deeply intertwined, and we must support all three to ensure the health and well-being of our youth. Whether you can organize an event or simply start a conversation, we encourage you to take action this month—the wellness of future generations depends on it.