Mental Health Memo: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2026:

South Dakota Human Services Center Mental Health Memo: Shining a Light on Mental Wellness, by Andrea Heronimus – Mental Health Services Program Manager.

Andrea Heronimus.
Courtesy photo.

Each May, organizations across the nation recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its start in 1949 by Mental Health America, this observance has grown with support from groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the South Dakota Department of Social Services – Division of Behavioral Health, and many community partners. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to provide education and awareness about mental health, fight stigma through open conversations, and ensure that individuals are aware of resources in their community that will support their mental health.

Why This Month Matters
Mental Health Awareness Month is important because we are coming together as a community to normalize conversations about mental health and mental wellness, encouraging individuals to seek help if they need it, and providing hope that better days are ahead and recovery is possible!

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis
Knowing the signs of a possible mental health crisis can help you support someone in need. Warning signs may include:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
• Confused, unusual, or paranoid thinking
• Seeing or hearing things others don’t
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Missing work, skipping school, or avoiding responsibilities
• Major changes in mood or behavior such as:

• • Extreme sadness or low energy
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Euphoria, unusually high energy, or not sleeping

If you notice these changes in someone, reaching out with care can make an important difference.

Ways to Support Your Own Mental Health
There are several ways to better our own mental health and this begins with self-care. Taking time each day to de-stress and unwind through spending time with loved ones, saying positive affirmations, practicing mindfulness, getting out in nature, or doing an activity that you enjoy are great ways to promote our mental wellness. It’s also important to ensure that we’re getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods, and exercising since our physical health is connected to our mental health.

Resources and Support in South Dakota

Collectively, South Dakota has a strong network of mental health resources, including nearly 1,400 licensed counselors and therapists, more than 1,100 social workers, nearly 220 psychologists, and over 720 professionals licensed in addiction and prevention.

Mental health support is available through the publicly funded behavioral health system, which includes 11 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) located across the state. These centers provide comprehensive services for children, youth, adults, and older adults who are experiencing acute mental health disorders or serious mental illness. Services can be accessed in person or through telehealth, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. CMHCs are unique because they offer specialized services for their priority populations, including youth under age 18 with a serious mental illness and adults with a serious mental illness. In addition to these services, Short‑Term Crisis Services are available 24/7 throughout the state to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis remain within their home communities whenever possible.

You can learn more about available services and find resources by visiting sdbehavioralhealth.gov. This website, created in 2023 as part of the “Notes to Self” behavioral health awareness campaign, provides information on mental illness, substance use disorders, community services, and crisis support. It’s a helpful starting point for locating your nearest CMHC or short‑term crisis center.

For immediate help at any time, you can also call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for behavioral health support, crisis intervention, and resources for yourself or someone you care about.

How You Can Be Involved

Everyone can play a part in Mental Health Awareness Month. Consider:

• Checking in with a friend, family member, coworker, or classmate
• Sharing resources or supportive messages on social media
• Encouraging open, stigma free conversations
• Posting information within your organization or community

Organizations and businesses can promote Mental Health Awareness Month by utilizing the toolkits that are available online through Mental Health America, NAMI, and SAMHSA using the links below:

• https://mhanational.org/2026-mental-health-month-action-guide/
• https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/
• https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month

March 2026:

South Dakota Human Services Center Mental Health Memo: Celebrating Social Work Month by Jennifer Luke, Human Services Social Worker, and Quinn Hamilton, Social Work Intern.

What is Social Work Month?
Social Work Month is an annual observance held every March to recognize the profound contributions social workers make on our communities. First celebrated in 1963, Social Work Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the profession’s contributions and to acknowledge the essential role social workers play in improving access to care, advancing equality, and promoting whole person well-being. For 2026 the National Association of Social Workers has designated the theme: Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social workers advocate for individuals, provide education, and deliver clinical support across many settings to ensure vulnerable South Dakotans receive essential services. In behavioral health hospitals, they connect patients, families, providers, and community systems to support continuity of care. Their work when carried out in behavioral healthcare includes assessments, crisis intervention, treatment coordination, discharge planning, and linking individuals to resources such as housing, transportation, outpatient treatment, and financial assistance.

Why Is This Work Important?

Social workers are important because they play a critical role in improving patient outcomes by ensuring underlying factors impacting a patient’s health are addressed by practitioners with specific competencies. Recovery is not solely clinical, it is deeply connected to social stability, support systems, and community reintegration. By fostering resilience and empowerment, they help build a stronger community where every citizen is given the opportunity to thrive.

Social Work and Behavioral Health

Social Work Month underscores the need for a strong behavioral health workforce to meet rising mental health and substance use needs. Social workers apply a person‑in‑environment approach grounded in trauma‑informed care, recovery principles, and community integration. As essential members of treatment teams, they help ensure discharge plans align with available community resources and support long‑term recovery.

How to Celebrate Social Work Month

Since its establishment, Social Work Month has served as an opportunity to:

• Raise public awareness about the role and value of social workers
• Advocate for policy improvements
• Highlight the profession’s impact on vulnerable populations
• Strengthen professional identity and pride within the field

Departments and organizations often mark the occasion with leadership messages, recognition events, and other opportunities to honor the dedication and expertise of their social work staff.

To learn more about a career as a Social Worker and other career paths in Behavioral Health visit https://sdbehavioralhealthcareers.sd.gov/explore-careers.

February 2026:

South Dakota Human Services Center Mental Health Memo: Natasha Auch – Psychiatric Social Worker

Courtesy photo.

Winter Wellness: Staying Connected and Mentally Healthy During the Cold Months

How does winter weather affect our relationships and mental health?
Living in South Dakota makes winter unpredictable. Snowstorms and icy roads often lead to canceled plans, which can feel disappointing and introduce barriers to remaining connected.  Many people, especially the elderly, may choose to stay home rather than venture out in the cold, missing out on social activities like coffee hour or card games. Driving in harsh winter conditions can also spike anxiety: “What if my car breaks down when it’s below zero? What if I get snowed in at work?” While it’s important to travel safely, it’s equally important to challenge the irrational thoughts that anxiety can create.

Is it normal to feel isolated or depressed during the winter months?

Yes! Cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours can lead to low motivation, fatigue, and less interest in activities. While cozy nights on the couch sound appealing, making them a nightly routine can negatively impact mental health. Winter can also bring feelings of loneliness, especially after the holidays or among reminders of being alone that Valentine’s Day can bring.

How can I connect with others when it’s hard to go outside?

• Phone calls or video chats with friends and family
• Online gaming or Facebook interest-based groups
• Virtual volunteering (tutoring or mentoring)
• Online classes or workshops

Going online is a great way to connect but be sure to be careful. Connect with people you already know; but have safe boundaries when trying to make new connections.

Why is it important to make mental health a priority in winter?

Mental health matters year-round, but bad habits can sneak in during winter without us noticing. Just like applying sunscreen in summer to prevent sunburn, we need to apply self-care in winter to avoid the Winter Blues.

Quick Tips for Winter Wellness

• Stay socially connected, even virtually.
• Get outside when possible for fresh air and sunlight.
• Keep a routine that includes movement and hobbies.
• Reach out if you’re feeling isolated, connection is key!

January 2026:

South Dakota Human Services Center Mental Health Memo: Gretchen Stai and Shaina Smykle.

Gretchen Stai.
Courtesy photo.

Shaina Smykle.
Courtesy photo.

Better Ways to Feel Better & Celebrate National Hobby Month!

The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect on how we care for ourselves, especially when life gets stressful. January is National Hobby Month, and it’s a great reminder that finding healthy, enjoyable activities can be one of the best ways to feel better and build resilience.

Why It’s Important to Find Better Ways to Feel Better

When under stress it’s tempting to reach for quick fixes which are things that offer temporary relief, but don’t truly help in the long run. This can include substances, but also habits like excessive screen time, nonstop scrolling, emotional spending, gaming for hours, or other behaviors that help us escape rather than cope. While these might feel good in the moment, they often leave us feeling more stressed, disconnected, or stuck afterward. Choosing healthier coping strategies can lead to lasting well-being and a more fulfilling life. These choices help us bounce back from tough situations and build emotional strength over time.

Healthy Alternatives That Work

There are many ways to feel better that don’t involve substances. Try:

• Spending time outdoors
• Exercising or stretching
• Listening to uplifting music
• Calling or spending time with a friend
• Practicing breathing or mindfulness exercises

Need more ideas? Take the quiz at letsbeclearsd.com/better to discover new ways to feel better!

How Hobbies Help Us Heal

Hobbies are more than just fun; they’re powerful tools for recovery and resilience. When cravings or urges arise to escape or fall back into unhealthy patterns, having a hobby can provide a healthy distraction and stress. Hobbies also offer a sense of accomplishment, creativity, and personal growth, which can be deeply rewarding.

Finding the Right Hobby for You

The best hobby is one that feels good and fits your lifestyle. Consider:

• Physical activities: walking, yoga, dancing
• Creative outlets: painting, writing, photography
• Relaxing practices: gardening, reading, journaling
• Skill-building hobbies: cooking, learning a language, DIY projects

Avoid hobbies that put you in unhealthy environments or encourage habits you are trying to change. What matters most is that your hobby supports your well-being and brings you joy.