Stigma Grows in Silence. Healing Begins in Community: Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an intentional opportunity to pause and reflect not only on mental wellbeing itself, but also on how we talk about it, how we support one another and how we show up when it matters most. Each year, this national observance creates space for more open conversations around mental health and the role each of us can play in supporting those around us.

This year’s theme from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community., reminds us that meaningful progress begins when people feel seen, heard and supported. By bringing mental health conversations out of isolation and into spaces of connection and compassion, we can help strengthen support and encourage healing in our communities.

QPR and MHFA: Training for Mental Health Response in Our Communities

Mental health crises can happen at any time, and the people nearby, including friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors, are often the first to notice when someone needs support or intervention. Programs like Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) are available to the general public and help equip individuals with practical skills to recognize warning signs, offer support and connect people to appropriate resources.

At Netsmart, associates have the opportunity to participate in these trainings as part of our continued commitment to mental health awareness and action. With each person who completes one of these trainings, our community becomes stronger.

QPR Suicide Prevention training is an internationally recognized program focused on equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to help someone in crisis. Available to all associates, QPR training is like CPR for mental health. It emphasizes three actions to help those at risk of self-harm: Question. Persuade. Refer. To date, 971 Netsmart associates have completed QPR training and 11 associates have become certified QPR trainers themselves, each helping to reduce suicide risk and support healing among our families, friends, loved ones and broader community. 

“Being a QPR Instructor allows me to positively impact the lives of our associates—It has impacted my roles as a mother, wife, friend and community member,” said Kelle McConnell, Project Manager, Netsmart. “I’m very proud to share the knowledge that the QPR course has to offer. If it saves just one life, it’s totally worth it!”

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The interactive, eight-hour course helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges, while building awareness of risk factors, warning signs, impact and common treatments. 

Through MHFA, participants learn a five-step action plan to support someone in crisis and help them connect to appropriate professional, peer, social or self-help care. By offering MHFA training to associates, clients and community members, Netsmart helps extend support into the communities we serve, with nine associates serving as MHFA certified official instructors that have trained more than 1,400 individuals. 

“Mental Health First Aid has a powerful impact on the communities we’re part of. As an instructor, I’ve found it personally invaluable—not only in strengthening my own skills, but in supporting my children and extended family members navigating mental health challenges,” said Merrill Johnson, SVP Client Development, Netsmart. “It has deepened my understanding of mental health and better equipped me to show up with compassion and support for those I care about most.” 

With preparation and action, building community around mental health can go beyond words and sentiments. Whether learning risk signs in a MHFA session or teaching intervention techniques in a QPR training, Netsmart associates continue to show their commitment to mental health support.  
Looking Ahead: Mental Health Awareness Month and Beyond 

Every year since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has encouraged us to pause and reflect on our ideas, words and actions. It gives us a chance to re-center our focus on mental health—both in our words and in our actions. I encourage you to engage with Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing a story, calling a loved one or giving your time and energy to a community organization. Together, we can help improve and save lives year-round. 

Find Support for a Friend or Loved One

If you or someone you know needs support, call, text or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor. They are available anytime, day or night, to provide help during difficult times. Remember, you are not alone. There is always hope, and help available.