May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month helps people recognize the ways mental illness impacts their lives, educates people about available services, and highlights ways to advocate—even if they don't have a mental illness. The following resources and information can help you care for your mental health and provide support to someone who may be going through a mental health crisis or substance abuse problem and connect them with the help they need.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health first aid gives you the practical skills to recognize signs of mental health distress and provide immediate support until professional help is available.
Behind the Scenes MHFA Virtual Training (U.S.)
The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a 2-hour self-paced online course that must be completed before the second part, which is a 6-hour virtual live instructor-led session. There is also a brief online post-class quiz and evaluation.
The course will cover:
The common signs and symptoms of mental illness
The common signs and symptoms of substance use
How to interact with a person in crisis
How to connect the person with help
Expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care
Date: May 14, 2026| 12–6 p.m. Eastern
The AFC MHFA Essentials Course (Canada)
This streamlined one-day immersive course uses interactive discussions and scenario-based activities to build a strong foundation in MHFA principles.
You will learn how to:
Increase your awareness of mental health
Understand stigma, diagnostic labelling, and barriers to care
Apply the ALGEES framework to support someone in a mental health crisis or decline
Use effective, empathetic communication techniques
Use reflective self-awareness
Review mental health support resource mapping
Date: May 25, 2026 | 12-7:30 p.m. Eastern
IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Certification Reimbursement upon proof of successful completion.
Behind the Scenes
The BTS Mental Health Initiative offers a variety of tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and wellness.
#BeThe1To Help Save a Life: The more familiar you are with the warning signs of suicide, the more likely you are to recognize them. Download Know the Warning Signs posters, graphics, and wallet cards to help prevent suicide. These resources are available in English, Spanish, and French and refer to both U.S. and Canadian organizations.
Toolbox Talks: Find sample language and pre-scripted talks on mental health and well-being in the workplace that you can incorporate into your regular meetings and newsletters.
Alcohol and Substance Use Resources: Whether you’re concerned about your own use or that of a co-worker, friend, or family member, these resources can assist you in finding options.
Stop Bullying: Register for a free webinar and learn how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated, and download posters and brochures.
Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder: Find a therapist who understands what you do for a living and the associated stresses and challenges.
24/7 Mental Health Hotlines
United States
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources. 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A free, 24/7, confidential treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Crisis Text Hotline: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Free, 24/7, confidential.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on domestic violence. Free, 24/7, confidential. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: Provides safe and confidential services by connecting callers to local sexual assault service providers. Free, 24/7, confidential. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or text HOPE to 64673.
National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides a range of resources, a gambling behavior self-assessment, information about treatment, and help connecting you with local resources. 1-800-MY-RESET
The Trevor Project: Information and support for LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round. Text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
Canada
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call or text 988.
Hope for Wellness Helpline: Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. 1-855-242-3310
LinkedIn Learning
These courses can help you prioritize your mental health during challenging times:
Reduce Tension with Breathwork (33 mins)
Managing Stress for Positive Change (53 mins)
How to Manage Feeling Overwhelmed (42 mins)
Managing Anxiety in the Workplace (1 hr 11 mins)
Mindful Stress Management (36 mins)
De-Stress: Meditation and Movement for Stress Management (36 mins)
Building Resilience (43 mins)
Mindfulness Practices (2 hrs)
Balancing Work and Life (35 mins)
Reduce Stress and Anxiety by Managing Your Nervous System (36 mins)
How to Beat Workplace Loneliness (25 mins)
Dealing with Grief, Loss, and Change as an Employee (53 mins)
You can also use a keyword search to find additional courses and videos, then narrow your search results with advanced search filters. Here are a few to get you started:
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