What Is Mental Health Awareness?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Every year in the month of May, we join together to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and celebrate the courage of the millions of Americans who live with mental health challenges. The purpose is to spread content and allow others to know they are not alone. Reducing stigma may allow someone to acknowledge and accept the support they know they might need but have been afraid to seek out. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are 1 in 5 adults in America living with a mental illness
How Do You Bring Awareness to Mental Health and How Can YOU Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month
Educate Yourself!
One way of participating in Mental Health Awareness Month is to education yourself on the topics of mental health and mental wellness. Understanding mental health and mental wellbeing can allow you to become more familiar with terminology or limitations of someone living with a mental health challenge. Your new knowledge may help you to recognize your own stigma or misconceptions and allow you to walk in someone else’s shoes. There are many places to learn more helpful information, if you want to know - ask! I’d love to help you find credited resources to get more information.
Find a Therapist
If you’re the person who may be struggling with a mental health challenge in your own life - one thing you can do is find a therapist or a trusted professional to speak to. Therapists are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment to help you understand challenges and stressors such as mental illness, difficult relationships, home or work stress and everything in between. No issue is too big or too small. If you need help finding a therapist, you can talk to your primary care doctor or there are several online tools that can match you to a qualified professional.
Focus On Self-Care
Self-care plays a very important role in mental health and mental wellbeing. If you are not practicing self-care or have been putting it off, Mental Health Awareness Month is a great excuse to start! Self-care can include: Getting enough sleep, nutrition and hydration, to taking walks, working out or reading a book. Self care is all about what you love and enjoy and incorporating it into your day. Challenge yourself this month to build your own self-care plan that focuses on your mental health and well being and promotes calm and relaxation in your day.
Support Those Around You
Mental Health Awareness Month can also be an opportunity to focus on checking on the mental health and wellbeing of those around you. When we’re not sure what to look for or we’re afraid to ask the questions, we may be missing that our best friend, neighbor or partner is struggling. This is why education around mental health is so important - being prepared and equipped to support not only ourselves, but those around us can make a world of difference. This DOES NOT mean you are there to fix them, it might mean that you can provide a supportive ear and help them to access additional support.
