Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is a national movement that encourages everyone to take part in conversations about mental well-being. It’s a chance to learn, support others, and take simple steps that help build a stronger, healthier community. In 2025, the focus is on community – the people around us, the connections we share, and the strength we build together.
Get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week
There are many ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week. Whether it’s a conversation, event, or personal action, every step helps break the stigma and support someone in need.
Resources
To make it easier, downloadable posters, toolkits, and templates are available. These are designed to help individuals, workplaces, and schools spread the message and encourage open discussions.
Wear it Green Day
This year, Wear it Green Day is on Thursday, 15 May. Wearing green shows your support for mental health awareness. It’s a visual reminder to talk, listen, and look out for each other. If that day doesn’t work for you, feel free to choose any other day.
Why community?
Mental health affects everyone. Community plays a vital role in shaping how we cope with challenges. Feeling connected can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and help people feel less alone. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to reach out for help.
We all have a part to play in creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel valued and heard. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbour, joining a local group, or volunteering your time, building connections makes a real difference.
Be the first to know
Sign up for newsletters or follow relevant organisations to stay informed. You’ll get updates on events, new resources, and mental health news to share with others. Staying connected helps you stay involved.
Support good mental health for all
Make a donation
Donating helps fund research, education, and community programmes that make mental health support more accessible. Every donation, big or small, goes towards creating a better future for mental health.
Order a green ribbon
Wearing a green ribbon is a simple way to start conversations and show your support all year round. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact.
Take on a skydive
Looking for a challenge? A charity skydive can raise money and awareness while giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a bold way to show you care.
About Mental Health Awareness Week
Started over 20 years ago, this week has become one of the most widely recognised mental health campaigns in the UK. Each year focuses on a specific theme and encourages people to prioritise their mental health. It aims to educate, reduce stigma, and show that mental health is just as important as physical health.
A guide to mental health awareness
Mental health awareness is about understanding what mental health is and how it affects us. It includes recognising signs, knowing how to talk about it, and finding ways to support others and ourselves. Being aware helps us take steps towards prevention, early intervention, and recovery.
The 5Cs of positive youth development: their impact on symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional distress in Chilean adolescents
Positive youth development focuses on helping young people grow into healthy, capable adults. The 5Cs are Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring. These traits support young people in building resilience and coping with challenges.
Abstract
Research shows that the 5Cs are linked to lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional distress. Helping young people develop these traits supports long-term mental well-being.
Introduction
Adolescence is a time of emotional and mental growth, but also a time when many experience mental health struggles. Supporting positive development during these years is crucial.
The 5Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and their relationship with mental health
- Competence: Feeling capable and skilled boosts self-esteem.
- Confidence: Believing in oneself encourages a healthy outlook.
- Connection: Having supportive relationships reduces loneliness.
- Character: Understanding values helps guide decision-making.
- Caring: Empathy leads to stronger social bonds.
Method
Study design
A structured questionnaire was used to explore how the 5Cs impact mental health outcomes in adolescents.
Participants
Participants were adolescents aged 11 to 19. Their responses provided insight into how each of the 5Cs influenced their mental health.
Variables and instruments
5Cs of Positive Youth Development
Each “C” was measured to evaluate its presence and strength in each participant’s life.
Depression, anxiety, and stress
Standard mental health questionnaires were used to assess symptoms of each.
Procedure
Adolescents completed surveys in a controlled setting. Responses were analysed to identify trends and connections.
Data analysis
The results showed a clear link between high levels of the 5Cs and lower symptoms of emotional distress.
Results
Preliminary analysis
Initial results indicated a strong positive relationship between the 5Cs and mental well-being.
Measurement models
The models confirmed that each of the 5Cs played a unique role in improving outcomes.
Structural equation models (SEM)
The analysis confirmed the 5Cs significantly reduce risks of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Discussion
This research highlights the importance of nurturing emotional and social skills in young people. By focusing on development rather than diagnosis, we can promote resilience and well-being early in life.
Data availability
All data used in the study is available upon request for academic and non-commercial purposes.
5 steps to mental wellbeing
These five simple actions can make a big difference in your mental health.
1. Connect with other people
Strong relationships help us feel supported and valued.
Do
- Call a friend
- Join a group
- Eat meals together
Don’t
- Isolate yourself
- Ignore messages
- Avoid people
2. Be physically active
Movement improves your mood and energy levels.
Do
- Go for a walk
- Dance around the house
- Try a fitness class
Don’t
- Stay inactive
- Push too hard
- Set unrealistic goals
3. Learn new skills
Learning gives you confidence and purpose.
Do
- Try a new recipe
- Learn a language
- Take a course
Don’t
- Fear mistakes
- Compare yourself to others
- Avoid trying new things
4. Give to others
Acts of kindness create a sense of reward and connection.
- Volunteer your time
- Offer help to a neighbour
- Say thank you often
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Being present helps reduce stress and boosts self-awareness.
- Take a few deep breaths
- Notice your surroundings
- Reflect on your feelings
Conclusion
Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a role in supporting mental well-being. Whether it’s through simple daily actions or deeper involvement in our communities, we can each make a difference. Get involved, start a conversation, and take action today.
Together, we can support good mental health for all.