May is the month to focus on mental wellness.

Since 1949, May has been Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to share information about mental health, eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, and promote help-seeking.

World Maternal Mental Health Day is observed on May 1. Maternal mental health matters. Women, as well as their family and friends, need to know the signs of maternal mental ill-health and that they are not alone. They can find help and support for perinatal mental health programs.

Each year, May 7 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which seeks to raise awareness and show that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

If you or someone you know is in need of help or support, encourage them to connect with the Community Counseling Program (CCP) or Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLAC). Help is available and they do not need to do this alone.

Using an integrated community health approach, CCP equips Marines and families with the skills to address life’s challenges before there is a significant impact on performance in their duties and relationships. The CCP assists Marines and families in accomplishing their personal goals through short-term solution focused counseling, skill enhancement, education and referrals to other helping resources.

MFLCs are experienced behavioral health professionals assigned to installations, embedded in units, schools, and Child Development and Youth Centers. MFLCs augment and work in collaboration with other Marine Corps Behavioral Health programs. MFLCs act as touchpoints for Marines and families who may need assistance.