May is Mental Health Awareness Month: How to Manage Expectations and Release the Pressure to Be “Perfect in Your Mental Health” 

Mental Health Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that tending to our mental and emotional well-being is not just important—it’s essential. Yet, during a time meant for self-compassion and advocacy, many people unintentionally place unrealistic expectations on themselves to “do it all” or “be perfect.” At Connections Health, we believe Mental Health Awareness Month should be about authenticity, not perfection. Here’s how to approach this mental health not as another task to be perfect at but with a mindset of kindness, balance, and self-acceptance. 

About Mental Health Awareness Month 

Since 1949, May has been recognized nationally as a time to promote mental health education, reduce stigma, and advocate for accessible support. It’s a month to foster conversations about emotional wellbeing—but it’s also a time to turn inward, honoring your journey without comparison. 

Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations 

You might see campaigns encouraging people to meditate daily, journal consistently, attend events, or join new support groups. These are all wonderful activities—but they aren’t checklists for worthiness. 

What it can look like instead: Choose one or two supportive actions that feel genuinely helpful for you this month. That might mean attending one workshop, having one open conversation about mental health, or simply permitting yourself to rest. 

Progress is personal. Growth is not one-size-fits-all. 

Don’t Put the Pressure on Yourself to Be “Perfect” 

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t a test. It’s not about achieving a flawless version of wellness. True mental health advocacy includes acknowledging messy days, setbacks, and small victories. 

What it can look like instead: Celebrate showing up. Honor your boundaries. Recognize that healing and growth include ups, downs, and pauses—and that’s okay. 

At Connections Health, we encourage you to embrace imperfection. Your story, just as it is, is enough and both acceptance and change can co-exist. 

Embrace Small Wins 

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to overlook the small steps you’re taking toward wellness. This month, practice noticing and celebrating those moments—no matter how small they may seem. 

What it can look like instead: Acknowledge when you prioritize rest. Celebrate reaching out to a friend. Honor choosing kindness toward yourself. Each step counts. Small wins build strong foundations for being comfortable with yourself, and living a life that isn’t perfect but creates more meaning and satisfaction.. 

Protect Your Energy During Awareness Campaigns 

While Mental Health Awareness Month can be inspiring, it can also feel overwhelming with the sheer amount of information and events. It’s okay to engage in a way that protects your well-being. 

What it can look like instead: Curate your media intake. Choose a few organizations or events to follow, and allow yourself to log off or step away when needed. Advocacy includes honoring your limits. 

Finding Support with Connections Health 

Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or recommitting to your growth journey, our Connections Process is designed to meet you where you are—with warmth, flexibility, and collaboration. We offer personalized counseling, group therapy options, dedicated support for college and graduate students, and affirming services for LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

If you’re a professional seeking collaboration or consultation, we also welcome referrals and partnerships to better support our community. 

You don’t have to do this alone. 

This Mental Health Awareness Month—and every month—Connections Health is here to support you.