Monthly Guide to Mental Health Awareness Holidays in 2026
Mental health awareness holidays provide valuable opportunities to educate, reduce stigma and encourage conversation in our communities around mental health issues. These observances are a powerful tool to normalize seeking help, and remind people who may be struggling that they’re not alone.
Below is a comprehensive list of Mental Health-Related Holidays for 2026:
January 2026
January is a time to focus on overall emotional well-being, self-care and healthy routines as the new year begins.
Mental Wellness Month (All month)
February 2026
February highlights self-worth, compassion and awareness of body image concerns.
International Boost Self-Esteem Month (All month)
Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 16–23, 2026)
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 23–29, 2026)
March 2026
March focuses on sleep health, self-injury awareness, developmental disabilities, and bipolar and autism education.
Self-Harm Awareness Month (All month)
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (All month)
Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1, 2026)
Sleep Awareness Week (March 1–7, 2026)
World Sleep Day (March 13, 2026)
International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026)
International Day of Happiness (March 20, 2026)
World Bipolar Day (March 30, 2026)
World Autism Awareness Week (March 30–April 5, 2026)
April 2026
April brings attention to stress management, counseling services, and health equity.
National Autism Awareness Month (All month)
Stress Awareness Month (All month)
National Counseling Awareness Month (All month)
National Minority Health Month (All month)
World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2026)
World Health Day (April 7, 2026)
National Stress Awareness Day (April 18, 2026)
May 2026
May is one of the most widely recognized months for mental health advocacy and education.
Mental Health Month (All month)
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month (All month)
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4–10, 2026)
National Mental Health Counseling Week (May 6–12, 2026)
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 9, 2026)
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day – May 24, 2026
June 2026
June emphasizes mental health awareness among men, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals living with trauma.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (All month)
LGBTQ+ Pride Month (All month)
PTSD Awareness Day (June 27, 2026)
July 2026
This month highlights mental health challenges within historically marginalized communities.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (All month)
August 2026
August focuses on whole-person wellness- including emotional, mental, and physical health while acknowledging loss and offering compassion to those who are grieving.
National Wellness Month (All month)
National Grief Awareness Day (August 30, 2026)
International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31, 2026)
September 2026
September is a critical month for suicide prevention education, awareness, and support.
National Suicide Prevention Month (All month)
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 6–12, 2026)
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2026)
October 2026
October is one of the most active months for mental health screening and public education.
National Depression Awareness & Mental Health Screening Month (All month)
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month (All month)
LGBTQ+ History Month (All month)
ADHD Awareness Month (All month)
Mental Health Awareness Week (October 4–10, 2026)
National Depression Screening Day (October 8, 2026)
World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2026)
OCD Awareness Week (October 11–17, 2026)
November 2026
November emphasizes stress management, kindness, and support for military families and transgender individuals.
Transgender Awareness Month (All month)
Military Family Month (All month)
Stress Awareness Week (November 3–7, 2026)
International Stress Awareness Day (November 6, 2026)
World Kindness Day (November 13, 2026)
December 2026
December focuses on reducing stress and supporting emotional well-being during the holiday season.
National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month (All month)
Grief Awareness Week – (December 2–8, 2026)
Why Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Days?
Mental health observances bring attention to the importance and impact of mental health concerns. It can help promote meaningful dialogue throughout the year, and foster a sense of connection, support, and emotional well-being.
We encourage you to participate in highlighting mental health awareness days, and spread positive messaging that will inspire understanding, compassion and hope.
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