May is Mental Health Awareness Month. UT Extension recognizes the vital impact of mental health on physical well-being, relationships, and productivity.

Raising mental health awareness.
The statistics don’t lie. Tennessee ranks 43rd in poor mental health outcomes with limited access to care. One in four Tennessee children faces mental or behavioral health challenges, and 27% of adults report frequent mental distress. Over 937,000 Tennesseans live with a mental health condition—or five times Knoxville’s population. Yet stigma often prevents open discussion and care. With a presence in every county, UT Extension is uniquely positioned to educate and connect communities with the appropriate resources and support.

Mental health IS health.
Too often, stigma makes people see mental illness, addiction, or crisis as weakness, a lack of self-control, or personal failure. But we would never respond that way to physical illness—telling someone with cancer to “cheer up” or “get outside and feel better.” It’s time we treat mental health with the same compassion and seriousness.

We are breaking stigma.
Stigma leads to shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek help. UT Extension professionals serve as trusted community resources—sharing information, encouraging wellness, and referring people to appropriate clinical care. Talking openly helps to normalize struggles and #breakthestigma.

We are taking action.
In 2023, 16 UT Extension professionals formed a steering committee with mutual interest in raising mental health awareness. Since then, over 200 staff have been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid— a highly-esteemed, evidence-based mental health program. Results were impactful, showing statistically-significant increases in knowledge and confidence in mental health crisis response. More trainings—including a new course (Adult Mental Health First Aid), are coming this fall.

Tools to support Tennesseans.
With an average of ONE mental health provider per 500 residents, a quarter of Tennesseans cannot find the care needed for their mental health. To help bridge that gap, we’ve developed resources and trainings to build your confidence in supporting others and ethically and responsively taking action.  

• Share our public mental health website
• Use our ready-to-go social media campaign
• Join upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings

Self-care is healthcare.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s healthcare. Regular self-care reduces risk for major health conditions, lowers healthcare costs, and decreases mortality rates. Practices like movement, rest, hydration, healthy eating, connection, and setting boundaries all help build a more resilient you.

What’s in your self-care toolbox? Set small goals and fill yours today.

We are…Tennesseans Together for Mental Health!
#TT4MH