By Jennifer Kramer, APR, PRSA-ECD Past Chair, Advocacy Chair

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a vital reminder that our mental well-being deserves the same attention and care as our physical health. Mental Health America first established Mental Health Month in 1949, and it has grown into a powerful national movement each May to promote wellness, educate the public, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

In our fast-paced and demanding profession, public relations practitioners often focus on caring for everyone else—clients, leadership teams, reporters and communities—while neglecting their needs. That’s why PR professionals need to recognize the signs of stress, burnout and mental health challenges not just in others, but in themselves.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect, learn and advocate. Even if you haven’t personally experienced a mental illness, understanding how mental health impacts our lives helps build a more supportive and compassionate workplace and community. Talking openly about mental health can reduce misconceptions and empower those who are struggling to seek help and find support.

Here are a few key practices for promoting self-care and recognizing when it’s time to slow down:

  • Set effective boundaries. Remember, you can say “no” or “not right now.” Setting small, realistic limits—like taking 15 minutes of quiet time before answering emails or texts—can protect your mental space.
  • Acknowledge burnout. Feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness. It signals that it’s time to slow down and prioritize your well-being. Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished instead of focusing only on what’s left to do.
  • Ask for support. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, connecting with your employer’s EAP program, or reaching out to a trusted friend, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  • Prioritize self-care. Instead of waiting for free time, build self-care into your daily routine. Remember, every day doesn’t have to be maximally productive. Giving yourself grace is crucial.
  • Reevaluate and adjust. Identify what’s causing your stress and brainstorm realistic ways to lighten your load. It’s okay to ask others for help or to reprioritize tasks.
  • Pay attention to your thinking. Your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors. Be mindful of negative self-talk or unrealistic expectations, and practice reframing your mindset in healthier ways.

This May, PRSA ECD is proud to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month as part of our advocacy efforts. Follow us on social media throughout the month and visit our Mental Health Toolkit.

Let’s commit to supporting one another, creating space for conversations, and making self-care a priority—not just this month, but every day.