May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Carolina Highlights Maternal Mental Health
May is recognized nationwide as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has further proclaimed May as Maternal Mental Health Month to spotlight the unique mental health challenges faced by mothers. Read the official proclamation here.
Mental health awareness has a long-standing history in the United States, beginning with Clifford W. Beers, whose advocacy led to the creation of the National Mental Health Association, now known as Mental Health America. Learn more about this history.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to the community.” Mental health impacts everyone differently and can encompass a range of experiences—from diagnosed mental disorders and psychological disabilities to stress-induced struggles and reduced day-to-day functioning.
Like physical health, mental health is shaped by both social and structural factors. Exposure to poverty, violence, and other adverse conditions can significantly increase the risk of mental health issues. In Durham, North Carolina, where an estimated 16% of the 324,000 residents live below the poverty line, the mental health risks are particularly pressing. These challenges can arise at any stage of life but are especially critical during early childhood, a developmentally sensitive period.
For children, harsh parenting practices and corporal punishment are known risk factors for poor mental health. That’s where programs like Welcome Baby make a difference. Welcome Baby helps mitigate these risks by offering positive parenting workshops that promote protective factors and strengthen emotional bonds. Through nurturing environments, families can reduce anxiety for both parent and child while boosting the child’s self-esteem and emotional development.
Our evidence-informed and evidence-based programs are designed to prevent child abuse and foster emotional wellness, both of which contribute to reducing long-term mental health issues. Some of the key programs offered through Welcome Baby include:
These workshops support parents and guardians at every stage of their parenting journey. Participants gain tools to enhance their child’s social-emotional development, language skills, school readiness, and more. Most importantly, these efforts help build stronger families and healthier communities by supporting parents in developing positive, supportive relationships with their children.
By increasing access to parenting education and support, Welcome Baby continues to play a vital role in improving family well-being and promoting mental health throughout the Durham community.
Please click on each parenting program for more information.
Written by Patience Mushipe-Mukelabai