Mental Health America of Hawaii

Mental Health America of Hawaii Helping Hawai`i Live Well We are a statewide organization with offices on the islands of O`ahu and Maui.

Mental Health America of Hawai`i (MHAH), an affiliate of the renowned national organization, is a highly regarded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the State of Hawai`i. For 80 years, MHAH has been fulfilling its mission “to promote mental health & wellness through education, advocacy, service, and access to care” through its vision of ‘mental wellness for all.’ We endeavor to reduce the shame and stigma of mental illness and improve the overall care, treatment, and empowerment of those with or at risk for mental health challenges across all stages of life in Hawai`i. Through our leadership, we’ve been expanding mental health awareness, preparedness, understanding, and action through trainings, education, and advocacy since 1942.

10/12/2026

On this , we want to shout out our amazing partner Mental Health America of Hawaii. Their team does great work in strengthening the protective factors that help keiki, families and communities thrive.

Mental health is part of family well-being, and supporting mental wellness starts with connection, belonging and knowing that we don’t have to navigate life alone.

Together, we can continue to ho‘oikaika — strengthen and empower — our families and communities, creating a Hawaiʻi where everyone has the support they need to flourish.

💚 **This week is OCD Awareness Week!** 💚Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than being organized, liking things ...
10/12/2026

💚 **This week is OCD Awareness Week!** 💚

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than being organized, liking things clean, or wanting everything to be perfect. It's a real mental health condition that can significantly affect a person's daily life, relationships, and well-being.

OCD involves **obsessions**, which are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that can cause significant distress, and **compulsions**, which are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to temporarily relieve that distress.

OCD can affect anyone, regardless of age, culture, or background. And while everyone's experience is different, one thing remains true: **OCD is treatable, and recovery is possible.** 💚

Here in Hawaiʻi, where we value ʻohana, community, and caring for one another, we can help create a culture of understanding and acceptance.

🌺 Learn the facts and challenge misconceptions about OCD.
💚 Avoid using "I'm so OCD" to describe everyday habits or preferences.
🤝 Listen with compassion and without judgment.
🌈 Encourage those who are struggling to seek professional support.
🌺 Remind others that a mental health condition does not define who they are.

Effective treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), can help people manage OCD and improve their quality of life.

**This OCD Awareness Week, let's replace misconceptions with understanding, stigma with compassion, and silence with supportive conversations.**

Because in Hawaiʻi, mental wellness is everyone's kuleana. 💚

**No shame. Just understanding, support, and hope.**

As Su***de Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, our commitment to caring for one another across Hawaiʻi cannot e...
09/29/2026

As Su***de Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, our commitment to caring for one another across Hawaiʻi cannot end with September. 💜

One important protective factor is having the freedom and support to be yourself.

In Hawaiʻi, we understand the importance of pilina: the relationships and connections that bind us to one another. When people feel accepted for who they are and connected to ʻohana, friends, culture, community, and ʻāina, it can strengthen their sense of belonging, purpose, hope, and resilience.

Living with aloha also means creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, respected, and valued for who they truly are. Sometimes su***de prevention looks like checking in on a friend. Sometimes it means listening without judgment. And sometimes it simply means reminding someone, through our words and actions, “You belong here.”

September may be ending, but su***de prevention is something we all have a part in, all year long.

Let’s continue building a Hawaiʻi where everyone knows they have a place, a purpose, and people who care about them. 💜

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text **988** for free, confidential support 24/7.

***dePrevention ***dePreventionHawaii

September is **Su***de Prevention Awareness Month**. 💜Su***de prevention isn’t only about recognizing warning signs. It’...
09/03/2026

September is **Su***de Prevention Awareness Month**. 💜

Su***de prevention isn’t only about recognizing warning signs. It’s also about strengthening the **protective factors** that help people navigate difficult moments, recover from setbacks, and stay connected to life.

Protective factors can include:
💜 Strong relationships with family, friends, and community
💜 Feeling connected, valued, and that you belong
💜 Healthy coping and problem-solving skills
💜 Access to mental health care and support
💜 Cultural identity, traditions, and connection to community
💜 Having reasons for living, hope, and a sense of purpose
💜 Knowing where and how to ask for help

Here in Hawaiʻi, connection is one of our greatest strengths. Checking in on someone, listening without judgment, inviting someone into community, or simply reminding them that they matter can help strengthen the protective factors that support mental wellness.

This September, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s build connection, strengthen resilience, reduce shame around asking for help, and create communities where people know they don’t have to face difficult times alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text **988** to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24/7.

**Connection protects. Hope protects. Community protects.** 💜

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

Emotional exhaustion. Burnout. Depression.These words are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Un...
07/22/2026

Emotional exhaustion. Burnout. Depression.

These words are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you recognize what you or someone you care about may be experiencing.

😴 Emotional Exhaustion
Stress has taken its toll, but rest, self-care, and support can often help you recover.

🔥 Burnout
Usually develops after prolonged stress, often from work or caregiving. Recovery often requires boundaries, time to recharge, and meaningful support.

🌧️ Depression
More than feeling sad. Depression affects how you think, feel, and function, often lasting two weeks or more. It is a medical condition, and effective treatments are available.

No matter where you find yourself today, you don't have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💙 If you live in Hawaiʻi and need help finding local mental health resources, contact MHAH's Finding Help Line at (808) 521-1846.

📱 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 anytime for immediate support.

Social phobia, also called Social Anxiety Disorder, is more than just being shy. It is an intense fear of being judged, ...
07/21/2026

Social phobia, also called Social Anxiety Disorder, is more than just being shy. It is an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or watched by others that can make everyday situations feel overwhelming.

The good news? You're not alone, and help is available. With the right support, coping skills, and treatment, many people learn to manage social anxiety and build confidence one step at a time.

💙 If you or someone you know is struggling:
• Talk with someone you trust.
• Practice self-compassion.
• Take small, manageable steps.
• Reach out to a mental health professional if anxiety is interfering with daily life.

If you live in Hawaiʻi and need help finding mental health resources, contact MHAH's Finding Help Line at (808) 521-1846. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

Remember: You deserve to be heard, supported, and accepted exactly as you are. 🌺

🪟 **Have you heard of the "Window of Tolerance"?**The Window of Tolerance is a concept that helps explain how our nervou...
07/15/2026

🪟 **Have you heard of the "Window of Tolerance"?**

The Window of Tolerance is a concept that helps explain how our nervous system responds to stress. When we're **within our window**, we can think clearly, manage emotions, solve problems, and stay connected to others.

Sometimes life pushes us **outside** that window.

🔴 **Above your window (hyperarousal)** may feel like:
• Anxiety or panic
• Irritability or anger
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling overwhelmed

🔵 **Below your window (hypoarousal)** may feel like:
• Emotional numbness
• Exhaustion
• Feeling disconnected
• Shutting down

The good news is that your window can grow over time.

🌱 **Ways to return to your window:**
✔️ Slow, deep breathing
✔️ Grounding with your five senses
✔️ Gentle movement or stretching
✔️ Rest and hydration
✔️ Talking with someone you trust
✔️ Doing something that brings you comfort or joy

It's completely normal to move outside your Window of Tolerance from time to time. Stress, trauma, grief, illness, and major life changes can all affect how our nervous system responds. With practice, support, and self-compassion, many people find it becomes easier to return to a place of balance.

🌺 **Hawaiʻi Resources**
📞 Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi Finding Help Line: **808-521-1846**
🌐 **noshamegethelp.org**

🇺🇸 **National Resources**
📞 Call or text **988** to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
💬 Text **HOME** to **741741** to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

Be patient with yourself. Every small step toward regulation is a step toward resilience. 💚

💙 **Big emotions are part of being human.** But when emotions become so intense that they regularly affect your relation...
07/13/2026

💙 **Big emotions are part of being human.** But when emotions become so intense that they regularly affect your relationships, work, school, or daily life, it may be a sign of **emotional dysregulation**.

Emotional dysregulation isn't a mental illness on its own. Instead, it's a symptom that can occur with several mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. It can also happen during periods of high stress or after difficult life experiences.

💚 **Signs may include:**
• Feeling overwhelmed by emotions
• Difficulty calming down after becoming upset
• Reacting more intensely than expected
• Acting impulsively when distressed
• Feeling emotionally exhausted afterward

🌱 **Skills that can help:**
✔️ Pause before reacting.
✔️ Take slow, deep breaths.
✔️ Name what you're feeling without judging yourself.
✔️ Prioritize sleep, movement, hydration, and regular meals.
✔️ Reach out to someone you trust.
✔️ If emotions frequently interfere with daily life, consider talking with a mental health professional.

Learning to regulate emotions isn't about suppressing them. It's about understanding them, responding with intention, and building skills that help you navigate life's challenges.

🌺 **Hawaiʻi Resources**
📞 Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi Finding Help Line: **808-521-1846**
🌐 **noshamegethelp.org**

🇺🇸 **National Resources**
📞 Call or text **988** for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
💬 Text **HOME** to **741741** to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

Every emotion has a purpose. With practice, support, and self-compassion, it's possible to ride the wave instead of feeling overwhelmed by it. 🌊💙

💜 **Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions.**Movies and televisi...
07/09/2026

💜 **Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions.**

Movies and television have often portrayed DID as frightening or dangerous, but those portrayals do not reflect the experiences of most people living with this condition.

DID is a **complex trauma-related mental health condition** that usually develops as a way of coping with severe, repeated trauma during early childhood. It is a survival response, not a choice or a sign of weakness.

💚 **Common signs may include:**
• Memory gaps beyond ordinary forgetfulness
• Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
• Distinct identity states
• Difficulty recalling conversations or everyday events
• Feeling like different parts of yourself take control at different times

🧠 **Myth vs. Fact**
❌ **Myth:** People with DID are violent or dangerous.
✅ **Fact:** Most people living with DID are far more likely to have experienced trauma than to harm others.

🌱 **What helps?**
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Grounding and coping skills
• Safe, supportive relationships
• Patience, compassion, and consistent treatment

Recovery looks different for everyone, and healing is possible.

🌺 **Hawaiʻi Resources**
📞 Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi Finding Help Line: **808-521-1846**
🌐 **noshamegethelp.org**

🇺🇸 **National Resources**
📞 Call or text **988** for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
💬 Text **HOME** to **741741** to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Every conversation that replaces myths with facts helps reduce stigma. Together, we can build a more informed, compassionate, and supportive Hawaiʻi. 💜

🧩 **Perfectionism isn't always just a personality trait. Sometimes, it can be part of a mental health condition.****Obse...
07/08/2026

🧩 **Perfectionism isn't always just a personality trait. Sometimes, it can be part of a mental health condition.**

**Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)** is a mental health condition characterized by a long-standing pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and a strong need for order and control. These traits can affect relationships, work, and overall well-being.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that **OCPD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are the same condition. They are not.**

🟢 **OCPD** often involves:
• Perfectionism that makes it difficult to complete tasks
• Difficulty delegating because things must be done "the right way"
• A strong focus on rules, schedules, or details
• Trouble adapting when plans change
• Overworking at the expense of relationships or leisure
• Harsh self-criticism and unrealistically high standards

🔵 **OCD**, on the other hand, involves unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

💚 **What can help?**
✔️ Practice self-compassion instead of striving for perfection.
✔️ Build flexibility by accepting that "good enough" is often enough.
✔️ Make time for rest, hobbies, and meaningful relationships.
✔️ Learn healthy stress management techniques.
✔️ If these patterns are interfering with daily life, consider talking with a mental health professional. Therapy can help people develop greater flexibility, improve relationships, and reduce stress.

Progress is more sustainable than perfection. Every small step toward balance is a meaningful one.

🌺 **Hawaiʻi Resources**
📞 Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi – Finding Help Line: **808-521-1846**
🌐 **noshamegethelp.org**

🇺🇸 **National Resources**
📞 Call or text **988** to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
💬 Text **HOME** to **741741** to connect with the Crisis Text Line.

Everyone deserves support, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive. Learning about conditions like OCPD helps reduce stigma and reminds us that mental health is about more than what we can see.

Address

1136 Union Mall, Suite 208
Honolulu, HI
96813

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18085211846

Website

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