Mental Health Awareness Week is October 2-8, an annual event where advocates across the nation will come together to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and to speak out against the stigma around mental illness. Thanks to NAMI’s efforts in 1990, U.S. Congress established the first full week in October for the observance.

Each Mind Matters developed a toolkit with valuable resources that can be customized to raise awareness in your community and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Download the 2016 Mental Health Awareness Week Toolkit and share with Each Mind Matters and NAMI California how you use the materials by tagging @EachMindMatters and @NAMICalifornia on social.

Show-Off Your Lime Green

Lime green is building momentum as the national color for mental health awareness. Wearing the lime green ribbon is a great way to open an honest dialogue with friends, family, classmates and co-workers about mental health. And it’s an easy way to show your support. It’s also easy to order! Get your lime green ribbon, wristband or other Each Mind Matters items at their online shop . Or wear it online by adding this twibbonto your profile on social media. Here are some more ideas to help you get creative while showing your support:

• Post selfies wearing your lime green ribbon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Plus, encourage others to do the same. Use the hashtag#EachMindMatters and #NAMICalifornia.
• Order a supply of lime green ribbons or wristbands and keep them in your desk, car, backpack or purse to offer to people when they ask about it.
• Ask family members and friends to wear their support too.
• Wear lime green clothes, paint your nails lime green or even put a streak of lime green in your hair! Let everyone know that Each Mind Matters.