Wellness Wednesday: Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month – May: Faith, Healing & Hope 

Dear Church Family,

As we enter the month of May, we recognize it as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and reminding one another that emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being are all part of God’s design for our lives.

💡 Why This Month Matters

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949 to:

• Reduce stigma 

• Encourage open conversations 

• Connect people to support and treatment 

This year’s focus is simple but powerful: “Healing, Hope, and Wholeness in Christ.”

🌿 A Word of Encouragement

God cares deeply about our inner life—our thoughts, emotions, and burdens.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

You are not alone in your struggles. Faith and mental wellness can walk hand in hand, and healing is both spiritual and practical.

🧠 Why Mental Health Matters in Our Community

Mental health challenges can affect anyone—families, leaders, youth, and elders alike. This month reminds us to:

• Speak openly without shame or judgment

• Support one another with compassion

• Seek help when needed

• Pray and take practical steps toward wellness

For Personal Use

• Take a free mental health screening 

• Practice daily self-care habits 

• Reach out to a friend or mentor 

💚 What can we all do during the May to focus on Mental Health: 

• Share weekly eNews on mental wellness with others in your contacts 

• Include emotional healing for others as a personal prayer topic

• Engage in honest conversations about mental health with a trusted friend or professional

• Pray and ask God for discernment before engaging in topics on mental health 

🙏 A Prayer for Healing

Lord,

We thank You that You are our refuge in times of trouble. Heal our minds, strengthen our hearts, and give peace where there is anxiety. Help us to support one another with love, grace, and understanding. Remind us that You are near to the brokenhearted. Amen.

💬 Final Encouragement

Let this month be a reminder: seeking help is not a lack of faith—it is a step toward wholeness. God is still healing, still restoring, and still working in every part of our lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help.

🛠️ Helpful Resources:

We encourage you and your family to take advantage of these trusted supports:

📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 – available 24/7, free and confidential

🌐 Mental Health America

Screenings, education, and wellness tools: mhanational.org

🌐 SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Free toolkits and community resources: samhsa.gov

🌐 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Education, support groups, and storytelling resources: nami.org

📅 Key Dates & Weekly Focus Ideas (May 2026)

Use these to plan weekly themes:

• Children’s Mental Health Week (May 3–9) 

• National Prevention Week (May 10–16) 

• Older Adult Mental Health Day (May 7) 

Submitted by Lorraine Whyte