Turning Awareness Into Action: Building Momentum for Mental Health

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Turn Awareness into Action.” This theme celebrates the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of mental health while challenging us to take meaningful steps toward change. According to Mental Health America, the nonprofit that created and continues to spearhead the month-long observance, this year’s goal is to celebrate “the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of mental health—and challenging us to turn understanding into meaningful steps toward change.” 

As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I’m reflecting on this year’s powerful theme, “Turn Awareness Into Action,” and how this call to meaningful change resonates with my own journey from corporate leadership to coaching.

From Awareness to Action: My Personal Journey

Growing up, I was often labeled “too sensitive.” For years, I was aware of this perceived weakness but took no action to reframe it. What changed? The moment I decided to transform awareness into action—embracing this sensitivity as a leadership strength rather than hiding it.

This personal shift from mere awareness to decisive action mirrors what research tells us about effective change. As Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability demonstrates, acknowledging our authentic selves is just the first step—we must actively leverage these qualities for meaningful growth. Research on self-compassion shows that taking concrete actions to accept our perceived weaknesses often transforms them into our greatest professional assets.

Turning Awareness Into Actionable Steps

Mental health awareness is valuable, but action creates true momentum. This month, I invite you to move beyond awareness with these action steps:

• Convert a worry into a written plan with one small daily action 
• Transform social media scrolling into a 10-minute nature break 
• Replace abstract resolutions with specific intentions 

Experiencing flow suggests taking action to find the right challenge-to-skill ratio in our daily activities creates more fulfilling experiences—something I discovered firsthand when I moved beyond awareness of my career aspirations and took concrete action by pursuing my coaching certification while balancing family and my career.

The Science of Action Over Awareness

While awareness of mental health challenges is growing, research shows that taking concrete action creates the most significant improvements in wellbeing. Positive psychology emphasizes that sustainable wellbeing requires active engagement in practices like gratitude exercises and strength-building—not just acknowledging their importance.

My transition from HR VP to coach wasn’t just about recognizing my passion for helping others; it required taking decisive action despite uncertainty. This reflects what research reveals: awareness of happiness principles only accounts for about 10% of wellbeing improvement, while intentional activities and practices drive the most significant changes. Moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is what truly transforms mental health.

Your Turn: Action Question

What is one specific action you’ll take this month to move beyond awareness and actively improve your mental wellbeing? 

“The difference between an active and a passive mind is action. Only action leads to growth.” — Carol Dweck

P.S. If you know someone who could benefit from moving beyond awareness to taking action for their mental wellbeing, please share this with them. As Mental Health America emphasizes in this year’s theme, it’s time to “turn understanding into meaningful steps toward change.” What action will you take today?