May is Mental Health Month, and University of Illinois Extension is joining Mental Health America (MHA) to focus on a simple, shared goal: helping people have more good days, together. MHA’s More Good Days, Together campaign is about meeting people where they are and recognizing that “good” looks different for everyone. It doesn’t always mean being happy or productive; sometimes a good day is simply one that feels manageable, calm, or comfortable.
Here is how we can start building more good days, together.
1. Define what “good” means to you.
Take a moment to ask yourself, “What does a good day look like for me?” It’s okay if your answer changes over time. If having good days (or even thinking about good days) feels hard, know that help is available and that you are not alone. Check on your mental health with a free, quick, anonymous test at mhascreening.org.
2. Care for your whole self.
You cannot separate mental health from physical health. They are equally important and deeply connected. Our sleep, stress, relationships, nutrition, environment, and other health conditions all impact — and are impacted by — our mental health. We also know that many factors that affect our health are beyond our control. Even when we can’t change everything, noticing what we can influence is important for our well-being. Whether it’s finding ways to move that you enjoy, connecting with your community, or remembering to drink water, small wins matter. It’s also important to listen to what your body is telling you. Sometimes physical symptoms are our mind’s way of asking for help.
3. Work together for more good days.
Having more good days isn’t a solo mission. Connection is protection, and you don’t have to carry the weight of “not-so-good” days alone. Even small moments of connection — whether in person or virtual — can reduce stress and anxiety, and remind us we’re not the only ones feeling what we’re feeling. Check in with friends, colleagues, and loved ones to see how they’re feeling — simple, honest conversations are a great way to support the people you care about.
You can also make a difference for your community and communities across the country. When we take action together, we can expand access to the care, community, and connection that make more good days possible for all. Join MHA’s advocacy network
4. Find your path.
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for you, and that’s okay. Take time this May to explore what sparks joy, brings you peace, or helps you feel good. Often, we put our own well-being on the back burner in favor of taking care of others. Or, don't give ourselves time to reflect on what we really need to feel well. Remember that relaxation, hobbies, and creative pursuits are crucial for our mental health and well-being! The path may look different for everyone, but we all deserve more good days, together.
5. Resources at your fingertips.
Visit mhanational.org/may for activities, tools, and resources to help you reflect and connect, and support your mental health journey. Also check out Illinois Extension resources
No matter how you are feeling in this moment, remember: more good days are possible, help is available, and you are not alone. Let’s make it happen, together.
Source: Mental Health America. Mental Health Month Planning Guide 2026.