May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s more important than ever that we take time to talk about how we’re feeling—mentally and emotionally.
Mental health is something every person has, just like physical health. And just like we brush our teeth or eat healthy foods to keep our bodies strong, we also need to practice habits that help our hearts and minds stay healthy too.
As a child and family counseling center, we’ve seen how open conversations and early support can make a world of difference—not only for individuals but for whole families. This month is a great opportunity to grow awareness, reduce stigma, and practice emotional care at every age.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. It includes:
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How we cope with stress
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How we form relationships
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How we make choices
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How we navigate emotions like sadness, anger, joy, and fear
When our mental health is strong, we’re better able to handle challenges, communicate well, and enjoy life. But just like physical health, mental health can change over time. And that’s okay.
Why awareness matters: Many people struggle in silence because they don’t know how to talk about mental health or fear being judged. Mental Health Awareness Month helps us make these conversations normal, supportive, and safe.
For Kids: Learning to Name Feelings
Young children are still learning how to understand and express emotions. They may cry when they’re frustrated, lash out when they’re scared, or shut down when they feel overwhelmed. These behaviors aren’t “bad”—they’re signals that a child needs help identifying and processing feelings.
What families can do:
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Feelings check-ins: Use simple tools like a “feelings thermometer” or emoji faces. Ask questions like, “What was a happy part of your day? What was a tricky part?”
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Read books together: Titles like The Color Monster, When Sophie Gets Angry, or Ruby Finds a Worry help kids see emotions in a safe, relatable way.
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Create a calm corner: A cozy space with stuffed animals, sensory toys, coloring pages, and breathing cards gives children a place to regroup when big feelings arise.
Example: If your child throws their backpack after school, rather than scolding them immediately, pause and say, “It looks like you had a hard day. Want to talk about it or take some quiet time first?”
For Teens: Handling Pressure and Stress
The teenage years can be exciting—but also stressful. Teens today face pressures from school, social media, sports, relationships, and planning their future. With so much going on, they can feel overwhelmed, alone, or misunderstood.
How to support teens:
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Be a listener, not a fixer: Sometimes teens don’t want solutions—they just want to be heard.
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Encourage breaks and downtime: Support healthy habits like journaling, listening to music, or going for walks without screens.
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Talk about mental health openly: Let them know that anxiety, depression, and stress are common, and help is always available.
Example: If your teen says, “I don’t want to go to school,” try responding with, “Tell me more about that. What’s been hard lately?” Avoid jumping to punishment or problem-solving right away—validate first, guide second.
For Parents & Adults: Leading by Example
Parents and caregivers often put their own needs last—but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Adults also face challenges like burnout, financial worries, relationship strain, and emotional overload. Children look to adults to learn how to cope. Showing them how you handle stress in healthy ways teaches them to do the same.
Ways to model mental wellness:
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Talk about your emotions: Say things like, “I felt really stressed at work, so I took a few deep breaths before making dinner.”
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Practice boundaries: It’s okay to say no, to rest, and to protect your mental space.
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Normalize counseling: Let your kids know that seeing a therapist is just like seeing a doctor—it’s a smart step, not a sign of weakness.
Example: A mom who takes time for a yoga class, or a dad who journals in the morning, is sending a powerful message to their kids: “Taking care of yourself is important.”
How Families Can Participate Together
Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about individual wellness—it’s about community and connection. When families talk about feelings, work through conflict, and care for each other’s emotional needs, everyone benefits.
Family-friendly ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month:
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Gratitude jar: Every day in May, each family member writes one thing they’re grateful for and puts it in a jar. Read them together at the end of the month!
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Family walks and talks: Use time outside to reconnect and check in emotionally.
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Create a family self-care plan: What does each person need to feel good? Maybe it’s more sleep, alone time, or hugs. Write it down and commit together.
Example: The Johnson family starts “Mindful Mondays” where everyone shares one high and one low of their week over dinner—no phones allowed. It becomes a tradition that strengthens their bond.
For Individuals: Putting Your Mental Wellness First
Mental health is deeply personal. Whether you’re a college student balancing classes, a young professional navigating stress, a caregiver juggling responsibilities, or a retired adult adjusting to life changes—your emotional health matters. You deserve support, care, and understanding just as much as anyone else.
Often, individuals may feel like they must handle everything alone, especially if they don’t have a strong support system. But mental wellness doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
Self-Care That Goes Beyond Bubble Baths
While self-care can include things like baths or quiet evenings, true mental wellness also involves setting boundaries, managing stress, and building meaningful routines. Try asking yourself:
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Am I giving myself time to rest—mentally and physically?
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Do I say “yes” when I want to say “no”?
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Do I speak to myself with the same compassion I give others?
Helpful self-care practices include:
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Daily grounding: A short meditation or even five deep breaths can help you center yourself.
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Emotional journaling: Writing about your day or your feelings provides clarity and release.
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Digital detoxing: Take intentional breaks from screens and social media.
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Reconnecting with joy: Revisit activities that bring you happiness—gardening, music, crafting, movement, or nature.
Break the Silence
Many individuals hesitate to talk about mental health struggles out of fear, shame, or the belief that “others have it worse.” But bottling up emotions can lead to burnout, isolation, and even physical symptoms.
What you can do:
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Reach out to a trusted friend, colleague, or mental health professional.
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Practice saying, “I’m not okay right now, and that’s okay.”
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Join support groups—many are virtual and offer connection without pressure.
Example: A working adult feeling overwhelmed might start by setting a 10-minute quiet break each morning. That small change leads to better focus and fewer emotional crashes throughout the week.
You Deserve to Heal
Healing is not linear. Some days are harder than others—but every step counts. Whether you’re processing past trauma, navigating grief, adjusting to a life transition, or simply seeking a more balanced life, you are worthy of support and peace.
Mental Health Awareness Month is your reminder that:
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You’re not “too much” or “too sensitive.”
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You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help.
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Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage and self-respect.
You matter. Your story matters. And healing is possible.
When to Seek Support
It’s always okay to ask for help. Sometimes, mental health challenges are more than a bad day—they become patterns that make life hard to manage. That’s when professional support can help families find clarity and healing.
Signs someone may need extra support:
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Noticeable changes in mood or behavior
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Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
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Difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating
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Persistent sadness, irritability, or worry
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Expressions of hopelessness or low self-worth
At KidStuff Counseling we offer therapy for children, teens, parents, families, and individuals. Whether you’re facing anxiety, parenting struggles, grief, trauma, or just feeling stuck, our caring and amazing team of therapists are here to help you feel heard, understood, and supported! Contact us today to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Mental health affects how we think, feel, connect, and live—which is why it deserves our attention not just in May, but all year round. By speaking openly, practicing self-care, and showing kindness to ourselves and others, we create a healthier world for our children, our families, and our communities.
If you or someone you love could benefit from support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not alone—and help is here!
