Mental Health Action Day Date in the current year: May 15, 2025

Mental Health Action Day was launched one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, in the midst of a growing mental health crisis caused by isolation, fear of infection, insecurity due to economic struggles, increases in substance abuse and domestic violence, disruption of mental health services, and rising burnout rates among healthcare workers and other essential workers.

The mental health crisis affected most sectors of society to some degree, but certain groups were disproportionately affected due to a combination of social, economic, and health-related factors. These included health care and frontline workers, young people, older people, people with pre-existing mental health problems, people from low-income households and communities, racial and ethnic minorities, victims of domestic violence, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Recognizing the impact of the mental health crisis on the general population, MTV Entertainment Group joined with nearly 200 partners (nonprofit organizations, leading brands and cultural leaders) to move the culture from mental health awareness to mental health action. Although the topic of mental health has become less stigmatized in recent decades, many people are still reluctant to take the first steps and seek help when they need it. Mental Health Action Day was created to encourage people to take mental health action for themselves, their loved ones, or their community.

Since its inception, Mental Health Action Day has been endorsed by more than 2,700 nonprofit organizations, government agencies, brands, and influential leaders from more than 32 countries. There are many ways to get involved with this day of awareness, which can be broken down into three broad groups: engaging in self-care, supporting your loved ones, and advocating for mental health. You should choose the ones that work for you and that you feel most comfortable with.

Start with personal actions that will help improve your mental well-being, because if you want to help others, you should help yourself first. Take a mental health break and engage in relaxing activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, nature walks, journaling, etc.; take a break from social media and unplug; book a session with a therapist or find a support group if you need one; explore the mental health resources available to you.

If your mental health allows, you can lend a helping hand to others: reach out to a friend or family member who is struggling with mental health to check in; share the story of your mental health journey on social media with the hashtag #MentalHealthAction to give others hope; attend or host a Mental Health Action Day event; donate to, raise funds for, or volunteer at a mental health nonprofit; contact local or national policymakers to advocate for better access to mental health care.