Promoting Wellness, Reducing Stigma, and Supporting Youth Across Texas

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being and to share resources that support emotional, psychological, and social health. At the Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN), we are proud to stand with our partners in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting access to mental health support for youth and families across the state.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health is more than the absence of illness—it’s a vital part of our overall well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act [1]. The World Health Organization adds that mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community” [2].

Our brains are powerful, complex organs that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and identities. That’s why TYAN is committed to championing mental wellness as a cornerstone of youth development.

A Statewide Call to Action

In April 2024, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, stating, “Mental health is critical to the overall well-being of adults as well as children. It is our collective responsibility to provide support and resources to those who seek help” [3].

Mental health affects everyone. This month, let’s come together to acknowledge mental and behavioral health challenges, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma that prevents individuals and families from seeking the help they need.

Training & Resources

We’ve gathered a variety of resources to help you engage with Mental Health Awareness Month:

Raising Awareness

Texas Health and Human Services is hosting a series of webinars and Mental Health First Aid training sessions. Register here. (https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2025/04/hhsc-recognizes-may-mental-health-awareness-month).

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invites you to join their #MyMentalHealth campaign. Share your story or encourage others to connect. Learn more, (https://www.nami.org/mham) or download the flyer (https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MHAM-1-pager-NAMI.pdf?utm_source=nami&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=MHAM2025).

Mental Health America offers free online mental health screenings, including a Youth Mental Health Test. (https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/youth/). Explore all tools (https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/).

Combating the Stigma

Stigma can isolate individuals and prevent them from seeking support. By learning more and speaking openly, we can foster a culture of compassion and understanding.

– Watch this video on stigma! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UF6FumfxR8).

– Read more from the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477) [6] and CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/stigma/index.html).

Urgent Services for Texans

NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “Friend” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org (mailto:helpline@nami.org).

-Find your local mental health authority: Texas HHS Directory (https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/find-your-local-mental-health-or-behavioral-health-authority).

Spotlight: Building Youth Mental Resilience Through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC and Junior ROTC (JROTC) programs play a vital role in youth development, promoting leadership, discipline, and mental resilience. These programs help students build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility, preparing them for success in both civilian and military careers.

“Looking at student outcomes, a 2017 study conducted by The Rand Corp., a nonprofit think tank, noted several positive effects of JROTC participation. Studies that examined academic outcomes found consistently positive associations between grade point average (GPA) and JROTC participation. JROTC participation was also consistently associated with lower dropout rates and improved attendance.” [5].

Contact your local high schools and connect to learn more about JROTC programs in your area.

TYAN Partners in Mental Wellness

We’re proud to work alongside community partners dedicated to youth mental health. One of our standout collaborators is the Texas Youth Mental Health Network, which bridges Positive Youth Development and mental wellness. Explore their resources! (https://texasyouthmentalhealthnetwork.org/resources-support/).

References

[1]: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). *About Mental Health*. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/] (https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/)

[2]: World Health Organization. (2022). *Mental health: Strengthening our response*. Retrieved from [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response] (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response)

[3]: Office of the Texas Governor. (2024). *Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation*. Retrieved from https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/disabilities/2024_Mental_Health_Awareness_Month_-_acc.pdf (https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/disabilities/2024_Mental_Health_Awareness_Month_-_acc.pdf)

[5]: U.S. News & World Report. (2014). *3 Things to Know About High School JROTC Programs*. Retrieved from [https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/11/10/3-things-to-know-about-high-school-jrotc-programs] (https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/11/10/3-things-to-know-about-high-school-jrotc-programs)

[6]: Mayo Clinic. (2023). *Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness*. Retrieved from [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477] (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477)