The American Psychological Association Marks Mental Health Awareness Month With Range of Activities

May 1, 2017

The American Psychological Association will engage a variety of audiences during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. More Americans than ever are living with mental health problems and APA is working to shine a spotlight on issues such as the mental health implications of racial bias, stress in the workplace, integrated mental health and primary care, caregivers’ mental health and more.

Wednesday, May 3: APA’s Work and Well-Being Survey Focuses on Political Talk

APA’s Center for Organizational Excellence will release results from its annual Work and Well-Being Survey, focusing on how political discussions are affecting the American workplace months after the 2016 presidential election.

Thursday, May 4: “Partnering for Help and Hope” Panel Discussion

Jack Morton Auditorium, The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, 805 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 7 p.m. EDT

May 4 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Olympic medalists Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt will be honorary chairpersons of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s annual event. This interactive panel discussion will focus on integrating behavioral health and primary care for children, teens and young adults with mental and/or substance use disorders. The event will also be webcast. APA, an official SAMHSA Awareness Day partner, offers several supplemental resources online.

Thursday, May 4: Smoking Cessation Treatments for People with Behavioral Health Problems webinar

1-2:30 p.m. EDT

Want to know how to help people with behavioral health issues stop smoking? This is the webinar for you. Evidence-based approaches and perspectives will be provided by a psychologist, medical doctor, social worker and a patient. Register online.

May 8-13: “I am Psyched! Inspiring Histories, Inspiring Lives: Women of Color in Psychology” Exhibit

Wright Institute, Berkeley, California

The “I am Psyched!” multi-media pop-up exhibit is touring the country and will visit the Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. “I am Psyched!” explores the history of contemporary contributions of women of color in psychology.

Thursday, May 11: “Depression & Kidney Disease, Coping with a Long-Term Illness” webinar

3 p.m. EDT

APA member and clinical psychologist Maureen O’Reilly-Landry, PhD, will present helpful information on mental health, kidney disease and chronic illness in this educational webinar. The event is hosted by Dialysis Patient Citizens, which advocates for people with end-stage renal disease. RSVP on the DPC Education Center website.

Friday, May 12: “Speaking of Psychology” podcast — Helping children manage stress and loss 

Talking to children about death or loss is a challenge but there are right and wrong ways to go about it. In this episode, psychologist and author Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, talks about her new book, “Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understanding Death,” and provides useful resources to parents and educators aimed at helping children manage everyday anxiety and stressors.

Wednesday, May 17: Twitter Chat — “What Family Means in the Fight for LGBT Equality”

#IDAHOTchat 12-1 p.m. EDT

May 17 is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Consistent with this year’s theme, APA will host a Twitter chat on the role of families in the well-being of LGBTIQ individuals and supporting the rights of LGBTIQ families, also known as “rainbow families.” RSVP on the Vite website.

Wednesday, May 17: Twitter Chat — “Self-care for Caregivers”

#ElderCareChat, 1-2 p.m. EDT

Hosted by OurParents, this chat will feature guest panelists Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD, director of behavioral sciences for the Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program, and Deborah A. DiGilio, director of the APA Office on Aging. They will discuss the importance of family caregivers taking the time to care for themselves. Register on the OurParents website.

Thursday, May 25: Kids, Stress and Technology Webinar

7 p.m. EDT

APA and the National Parent Teacher Association will host a webinar focusing on youth technology use and positive and negative effects. Clinical psychologist Mary Alvord, PhD, will talk with parents, educators and youth-serving professionals about establishing healthy technology use for children and tips for parents on how to manage children’s tech habits.

Wednesday, May 31: Fighting Back against Bullying

SPIRE Conference Center, 750 First St., N.E., Washington, D.C., 6:15-7:45 p.m. EDT

APA member and bullying expert Dorothy Espelage, PhD, will speak about bullying as part of APA’s 125th Anniversary Distinguished Speaker Series. In honor of the 125th anniversary of APA’s founding, APA is hosting a series of talks throughout the year focusing on how psychology has helped us understand our world and improve society.

Read the complete list of events on APA.org.