History and Background
The original "May is Mental Health Awareness Month" was established in 1949 by Mental Health America. Spearheaded by Clifford W. Beers who originally launched this initiative to transition mental health care from isolated asylums to public understanding, it has now evolved from a week-long campaign into a nationwide movement observed every May.
Theme 2026: "Permission to Pause"
This year Aggie Mental Health celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month through the theme "Permission to Pause.” This theme centers on the vital importance of giving yourself a moment to breathe and intentionally taking a step back from the relentless pace of academic and professional life. We hope that this month emphasizes that taking a pause is not a sign of falling behind, but a necessary act of self-care!
Follow our @AggieMentalHealth Instagram to follow along and learn more about the weekly challenges and events below!
Weekly Challenges and Giveaways
Must be a UC Davis student to participate. Available only while supplies last.
Week 1
- The Challenge: Download the Soluna App to get a sticker!
- The Prize: Limited edition Mental Health Awareness Month sticker
- How to Claim: Visit the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the Shields Library Wellness Desk Tuesday 10am-1pm OR Thursday 10am-2pm to show proof of your download and to pick up your sticker.
Week 2
- The Challenge: Complete a Healthy UC Davis Walking Loop get a tote bag! During your walk, take a photo and then submit it to the post-survey.
- The Prize: Nature inspired tote bag
- How to Claim: The first 50 students who complete a walking loop and show proof of survey completion to the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the Shields Library Wellness Desk Tuesday 10am-1pm OR Thursday 10am-2pm will receive a bag.
Week 3
- The Challenge: Attend one of the listed Mental Health Awareness Month events this week (5/18- 5/22) and get a plushie cow keychain! Please get consent from others if they are included in your photo.
- The Prize: Plushie cow keychain
- How to Claim: Be one of the first 200 students to take a photo of yourself at an event and show the photo proof of your attendance to the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the Shields Library Wellness Desk Tuesday 10am-1pm Tuesday OR Thursday 10am-2pm.
Week 4
- The Challenge: Reduce your screen time and get a "Sip Back and Relax" drink tumbler! For one day this week, reduce your phone screen time by 2 hours compared to your previous week's average.
- The Prize: "Sip Back and Relax" drink tumbler
How to Claim: Be one of the first 200 students show proof of this to the Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors at the Shields Library Wellness Desk Tuesday 10am-1pm OR Thursday 10am-2pm.
Events
Mental Health Craft Event with Aggie Mental Health
Wednesday, May 6th, 11am - 1pm
Location: Health Promotion Office, Cowell Building, North Wing
Come join us in making a self-affirmation rainbow or self-care pipe cleaner bouquet!
LGBTQIA Resource Center Laugh w/ Staff
Wednesday, May 6th, 1pm
Location: LGBTQIA+ Resource Center
Take a break, grab some snacks, and join us for Laugh with Staff—a quarterly program designed to build connection and community.
LGBTQIA Resource Center Stones of Solidarity
Monday, May 11, 2 pm
Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center
Join us in creating natural stone bracelets alongside our sibling centers who have been impacted by political violence - MENASA Resource Center, Undocumented Student Resource Center and El Centro.
Office of Student Support Annex: Open House
Tuesday, May 19th, 12pm
Location: Student Community Center, Room #1413
Come meet the Case Managers from the Office of Student Support. Case Managers helps students connect to resources and referrals for increased wellness. Free snacks and prizes!
“Behind the Scenes” Bike Tour (UC Davis Arboretum)
Wednesday, May 20th, 9 am - 10am
Location: Shovel Sculpture in the Arboretum GATEway Garden
Celebrate bike month by taking a loop through the Arboretum with Gardening Specialist Jordan Knippenberg! This ride will go at a leisurely pace and pause to point out Arboretum highlights along the roughly 3.5-mile loop.
Walk with Warren (UC Davis Arboretum)
Wednesday, May 20th , 12 pm - 1 pm
Location: Shields Gazebo
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vivid beauty of the UC Davis Arboretum as you embark on a midday adventure through gardens and collections with your guide Warren Roberts, superintendent emeritus.
LGBTQIA Resource Center Rage Art: Destroy After Creating
Thursday, May 21st, 2pm
Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center
Harness your rage and channel it into art. Rage Art focuses on the process of creativity as a release. Rage Art focuses on the process of creativity as a release for our justified anger and other negative emotions.
Counseling Services International Student Support Group
Wednesday, May 27th, 1pm
Location: International Building SISS - 3rd floor Conference room
Come join a support space for International Students and those who work with them.
Yoga with Thriving in Graduate School
Wednesday, June 3rd, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Walker Hall, North Lawn
Calling all graduate students! Come meet some fellow grad students as you move and stretch your body with some gentle yoga. This event is BYOM (bring your own mat). Please RSVP to let us know you are coming.