A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month".
S. Res. 249 is a non-binding Senate resolution introduced on May 22, 2025, by Senators Luján and Daines. It expresses support for designating May 2025 as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” The resolution aims to remove stigma around mental illness, elevate mental health as a national priority, and encourage increased access to mental health services. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment for children, acknowledges the potential impacts of social media on youth mental health, highlights suicide prevention and veteran mental health needs, and praises collaboration among national, state, local, medical, and faith-based organizations to raise awareness and provide support. As a resolution, it does not create new law or authorize spending; rather, it signals congressional support and can influence public discourse and policy emphasis.
Key Points
- 1The Senate expresses support for designating May 2025 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” to reduce stigma and promote scientifically informed approaches to mental health recovery.
- 2Mental health is declared a national priority, with emphasis on increasing access to mental health services.
- 3The resolution recognizes mental well-being as equally important to physical well-being for individuals, communities, schools, businesses, and the economy.
- 4It applauds ongoing collaboration among national, state, local, medical, and faith-based organizations to raise public awareness and provide information and support to those affected by mental illness.
- 5It encourages individuals to use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being, ensure access to appropriate coverage and services, and support overall quality of life for people living with mental illness.
- 6Mental health disorders are chronic conditions; untreated childhood mental health issues can affect home life, schooling, and future development.
- 7There is a call for more resources in schools for prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders in children.
- 8Childhood depression, if untreated, can persist into adulthood.
- 9The resolution highlights concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of children and youth, including exposure to bullying and self-harm, and calls for understanding and mitigating these effects.
- 10Suicide prevention and resources to support veterans’ mental health are identified as important public health priorities.