Governor Wes Moore Proclaims May 3rd as Maryland’s First Official Mental Self-Care Day

Flow Therapy leads mental health movement as Maryland recognizes the first official Mental Self-Care Day.

Fort Washington, MD — Mental health takes center stage in Maryland this May with the official proclamation of May 3rd as Mental Self-Care Day, a first-of-its-kind statewide recognition dedicated to the importance of proactive mental well-being.

This historic proclamation, signed by Governor Wes Moore, follows a submission by Dominique Thornton, MS, LCPC, on behalf of Flow Therapy. Flow Therapy is a Maryland-based therapy practice serving youth, young adults, and families. The initiative was created to shift the narrative around mental health from a reactive crisis response to daily, preventative care.

“Mental Self-Care Day is not just about awareness—it’s about action,” says Thornton. “While traditional self-care can encompass physical and mental wellness, mental self-care is often overlooked. It's time to be more intentional about our mental health and stop pushing it to backburner.”

Why It Matters:

• Suicide rates peak during the spring and summer months.

• Mental Self-Care Day fosters stigma reduction, personal skill development, greater access to mental health resources, and mental health policy changes.

• The day creates space for people of all ages to honor their needs—whether that means resting, journaling, unplugging, or seeking support.

  
  

A Statewide Shift in Mental Health Culture

The public is encouraged to mark the day by doing any of the following:

• Reaching Out to Professionals: Connect with mental health professionals to discuss mental health concerns and receive guidance.

• Mental Health Screenings: Complete mental health screenings for early detection of mental health issues and timely intervention.

• Check on Friends and Family: Use this day as an opportunity to reach out to friends and loved ones, fostering a supportive network and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

• Create a Mental Self-Care Plan: Develop personalized self-care plans that incorporate activities and routines to maintain mental wellness.

• Engage in Mental Self-Care Activities: Use this day for breaks, nature walks, yoga, meditation, journaling, or any self-care practice that contributes to mental relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Community Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops to learn about mental health and develop self-care techniques.

Social media users are also invited to join the movement by using the hashtags #MentalSelfCareDay and #MarylandCares to share how they’re caring for their minds on May 3rd.

About Flow Therapy:

Founded by licensed therapist and community advocate Dominique Thornton, MS, LCPC, Flow Therapy is a virtual mental health counseling and wellness practice serving individuals throughout Maryland. They help individuals find their highest level of holistic functioning—what Dominique calls “their flow.” The practice specializes in therapy services for youth, young adults, and families navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, and major life transitions.

Media Inquiries:

For interviews, speaking opportunities, or more information about Mental Self-Care Day, please contact Dominique Thornton, MS, LCPC.

Email: dominique@flowtherapy.health Website: www.flowtherapy.health Instagram: @theflowtherapist | @flowtherapyllc