Join us for May Mental Health Month: events, webinars, livestreams, podcasts, T-shirts, and more ways to get involved!

May 2025

Dear Friends:

May is Mental Health Month and, while promoting mental health is important all year, this special month of recognition raises awareness about mental illness, its prevalence in today's society, and its impact on people of all ages and backgrounds.

Help us elevate the discussion on social media around mental health – print this “Mental Health Matters to Me Because…” sign, add a custom message and hold it up in your photo to share your “why” – why is mental health important to you? Then, share it on social media using #MentalHealthMatters. Be sure to tag Michigan Medicine so we can share it, too!

We have lined up many events, webinars, livestreams and podcasts for you to get involved with Mental Health Month 2025 -- take a look below, and I hope to see you there!

Stephan Taylor, M.D.

Interim Chair, Dept. of Psychiatry;

Albert J. Silverman, M.D., C.M., Research

Professor of Psychiatric Disorders

Demystifying Antidepressants: Risks, Benefits, and Realities

Livestream on May 6, noon to 1:00 pm

Medications for mental health treatment have been around for many decades. But have you ever wondered how medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions actually work? Join this livestream to hear from our experts.

Mind Matters: Stuttering Fact vs. Fiction

Webinar on May 15, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Join us as experts from the U-M Speech Neurophysiology Lab dispel common stuttering myths and share what they have learned through over a decade of neuroscience-based stuttering research. RSVPs are required.

Mind Matters: Mood and Art

Webinar on May 20, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Featuring visiting scholar Catarina Castela, Ph.D., who will speak about her research, "Monitoring mood variation in bipolar disorder: An interdisciplinary study on the relationship between mood and formal art elements." RSVPs are required.

MI-ACRE Innovation Session: "Buprenorphine Initiation in the ED: Lessons from 10 years of Implementation"

Webinar on May 22, noon to 1:00 pm

These sessions are designed to foster conversations among addiction clinicians, researchers, and trainees with the goal to create real-world impact in addiction prevention and care.

Your Story Isn't Over - #SuicidePrevention Mental Health Month T-Shirt

Net proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts will support C.S. Mott Children's Hospital's Zero Suicide Initiative.

Shop here and show your support.

Mind Matters: The Role of Sleep in Mental Health

Webinar on May 22, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Experts will discuss the links between sleep and mental health and break down what the research has to say about how we can maximize both. They will also share practical tips all of us can use to get a little more beauty sleep. RSVPs are required.

What’s the latest on Cannabis? A Q&A with U-M experts

Livestream on May 29, noon to 1:00 pm

In the state of Michigan, cannabis use is rising, especially among older adults. As cannabis is legalized in more states across the country, research is beginning to show the ways that use of this substance can have big impacts on our health and wellbeing.

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"PHOENIX GIRL: HOW A FAT ASIAN WITH BIPOLAR FOUND LOVE" Reading and Discussion

In-person event on May 29, 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Downtown Ann Arbor Library

Hosted by the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program, this event will feature a reading from the memoir, followed by a discussion about the author's mental health journey and the intersection of arts and healing. The event will close the evening out with a selling and signing of the book.

Find out more event details.

Breaking Down Mental Health podcast.

Our podcast for health care providers returns with seasons 3 and 4. Join us as we break down different aspects of mental health into manageable pieces and work to eliminate stigma. Those who listen can receive CME credits or social work CEUs.

Michigan Medicine Presents:

Living with Bipolar Disorder Podcast

Episode 1: The Science of Bipolar Disorder.

Episode 2: Exploring the Meaning of Wellness. Episode 3: Medication, Relationships, and Caretaking.

You have received this e-newsletter because you are a friend, alum or supporter of U-M Psychiatry.

Donors make a big difference in advancing our research. Are you interested in supporting our work? Please reach out to our Mental Health Development Team: teammentalhealth@umich.edu