PR Reflections: May’s Mental Health Awareness and AAPI Heritage Month
Posted on May. 1, 2025 / Subscribe 0
As communicators, we are often balancing the needs of our clients, customers and communities. Sometimes we forget to extend that same grace to ourselves. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is such an important time for reflection. It’s a reminder that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether we’re navigating tight deadlines or simply trying to keep up with the pace of the industry, prioritizing mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
For those in PR and communications, burnout is a real thing. A 2024 report from Muck Rack revealed that 44% of PR pros have quit a job because of burnout or stress. This month and every month, we encourage members to check in with themselves and their colleagues. This could show up in many ways.. Take the walk. Schedule the therapy session. Use your PTO. Make your well-being part of the plan, not just an afterthought.
Additionally, May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, serving as an opportunity to uplift the stories, culture, and contributions of AAPI communities. Organizations like the Asian American Journalists Association Michigan Chapter (AAJA Michigan) are leading efforts to build stronger networks, provide mentorship and advocate for inclusive, equitable spaces across media and communications fields.
Representation matters, and so does the freedom to share our truths without judgment. We celebrate the work of AAPI professionals who are driving innovation in PR and media and creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation of storytellers. This month and every month, let’s make space for both wellness and cultural celebration. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and ensure everyone in our industry feels seen, heard, and supported.
Cydney Foster is a manager at 98Forward. She currently serves as a board member of PRSA Detroit, leading its diversity and new professionals committees and supporting the social media committee.
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