May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Embracing Faith & Mental Illness, a support community within Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee, is focusing on family members, friends, and caregivers who support someone they love living with mental illness.
Supporters often carry heavy emotions, difficult decisions, and quiet exhaustion behind the scenes. Yet their role matters deeply.
This year’s theme, “Never Walk Alone,” is a reminder that caregivers and supporters need encouragement, understanding, and community too.
Throughout the month, we invite you to join us as we share conversations, resources, encouragement, and opportunities to raise awareness and support families navigating mental illness.
💚 Because no one should have to walk this journey alone.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental health challenges don’t solely impact the person with the illness. The entire family needs our support. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mareedee Share on XWays to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month
Here are a few meaningful ways to get involved:
- Share a mental health awareness post
- Spread supportive resources
- Start conversations about mental health
- Reach out to someone who may be struggling
- Encourage someone who cares for someone with a mental illness
- Follow along on social media and engage in discussions throughout the month
- Be a supportive listener to someone who needs help
- Pray for individuals and families navigating mental health issues
Sometimes even a simple share can help a family feel seen, understood, and less alone.
We all can do something to help someone impacted by mental illness; no one should ever be alone in the struggle. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth Share on XWhy Raise Awareness
It is crucial to address mental health openly, given that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Mental illness is one of our country’s most widespread health issues. Yet, we often talk about it in hushed tones or not at all. By raising awareness and fostering understanding, we will break down stigma, which will help foster empathy, support, and access to resources for those with a mental illness and their families.
Before you go, let’s clarify the difference between mental health and mental illness. Understanding this contrast is crucial for fostering empathy and support.
Distinguishing Mental Health from Mental Illness
Mental health affects everyone! Mental health encompasses our overall well-being and how effectively we function in various aspects of life, including emotional stability, resilience, and coping with life’s challenges. Maintaining good mental health involves social support, self-care practices, and other essential elements.
Conversely, mental illness refers to diagnosable conditions that significantly impact an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often causing distress and impairments in functioning. These conditions vary widely, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Seeking appropriate treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, is crucial for managing mental illness effectively.
While mental health and mental illness are related, they are distinct concepts. Mental health encompasses our overall well-being, whereas mental illness refers to specific conditions that require specialized treatment.
How would you explain the distinction between mental health and mental illness?
How would you explain the distinction between mental health and mental illness? #mentalhealthawarnessmonth #mentalhealthawareness #embracingtheunexpected Share on XJoin Us on Social Media During Mental Health Awareness Month
Each Wednesday in May, on Facebook and Instagram, we will be sharing encouragement, support, and hope for those caring for someone with a mental illness. Together, we want to remind caregivers and supporters that they do not have to walk this journey alone.
We invite you to follow along, participate in the discussion, and share posts that may encourage someone else walking a difficult journey.
Join Embracing Faith & Mental Illness
We offer five unique ways for individuals who care for someone with a mental illness to participate in our community.
#1—Mental Health Newsletter for Supporters (sent on the 15th of each month)
Join our monthly newsletter for those who support someone living with a mental illness. Each email will inform, empower, and encourage you—offering practical insights to help you better support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.
You’ll receive helpful tools, tips, skills, blog highlights, and occasional updates about upcoming events and resources.
#2—Private Facebook Group
Our private Facebook community is Christ-centered for people who care for someone with a mental illness. It is a safe place to express your concerns, ask questions, and seek support. We hope you will build relationships and find encouragement among people going through similar circumstances.
#3—Real Talk, Real Support Zoom Call
Maree hosts 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸, 𝗥𝗲𝗮l 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 monthly via Zoom every second Wednesday from 5:00–6:15 pm (Mountain Time). Connecting with others who understand what it’s like to love someone with a mental illness can be incredibly encouraging. Together, we can be better caregivers!
Although it is an informal time to gather for prayer and support, the meetings generally center around a topic related to loving someone with a mental illness. To receive the Zoom link, you must be on the newsletter email list or part of our private Facebook group.
#4—Valuable Talks to Empower Those Who Support | Zoom
Join us for our Valuable Talks to Empower Those Who Support Series, held on the first Saturday of each month from February to June and from September to December, from 9–10:30 am (Mountain Time). Maree or a guest speaker will deliver Zoom presentations designed to offer support, education, discussion, and life-changing skills. To receive reminders, subscribe to our Embracing Faith & Mental Illness email list or visit our page for all upcoming talks. Registration is required.
#5—Mental Health Blog Posts
Ongoing blog posts offering faith-filled encouragement, lived experience, and practical insight for individuals, families, and those who support someone with a mental illness.
Additional Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s theme this year, “More Good Days, Together,” encourages all of us to consider what helps create more good days for ourselves and those around us.
I appreciate the focus on connection, support, education, and community because sometimes even small acts of encouragement can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Tap here to learn more about Mental Health America’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign. 💚
National Alliance for Mental Illness
This Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the importance of connection and speaking up against mental health stigma.
I love the reminder that when people share their stories and support one another, healing and hope can grow. Every story matters, and no one should feel alone in their struggles. Tap here to learn more about NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Month Campaign.
May is BPD Awareness Month
BPD Alliance: Inspiring Emotional Wisdom
May is BPD Awareness Month, a time to bring greater understanding, hope, and support to individuals and families affected by borderline personality disorder.
BPD is often misunderstood, and many families quietly struggle, feeling isolated or unsure where to turn. I’m thankful for organizations helping replace stigma with compassion, education, and hope for recovery.
Tap here to learn more about BPD Awareness Month and available resources. 💚
Mental Health Classes for Families
BPD Alliance offers an incredible class called Family Connections. This course is for individuals who support someone with borderline personality disorder or emotional dysregulation. You will learn about the disorder and skills that will make a difference in your family. For more information about this class, please click here. Maree is a trained Family Connections teacher and has proudly served as a board member for this incredible organization.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers an excellent class called Family to Family. This program is for family members, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness. Please click here to learn more.
Top Mental Health Articles on Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee
Finding Faith, Hope, and Love in the Unexpected
10 Powerful Reasons To Embrace Gratitude, Even in Tough Times
How to Run the Race When Life Feels Unbearable
How to Conquer Worry in Unexpected Circumstances
The Best Thing to Do When Life Is Difficult
Celebrating Mother’s Day is Important When Your Child Has a Mental Illness
Mental Health Support: What Is One Powerful Gift Everyone Can Offer?
Mental Illness: How to Step in and Help a Family Like Mine
When Waiting on God: How to Embrace the Delay Well
Two Choices That Help in the Wait When God Closes a Door
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Mental Health Awareness Month: How will you make a difference in the life of someone impacted by mental illness? Share on X
I think the church is doing better on this, but we have a long way to go. Thank you for what you’re doing to raise our awareness.
Michele, Yes, I agree we are making progress with advocacy. But I still occasionally hear that someone in the church has told a family member they don’t have enough faith. It breaks my heart.
Maree
It’s inspiring to see initiatives like yours raising awareness about mental health. By breaking the silence and stigma, we pave the way for better understanding and support. The resources and campaigns you’ve highlighted, like those from Mental Health America and NAMI, are invaluable in fostering this dialogue. Keep up the great work!