Sarahritchie17 Since 1949, we’ve observed Mental Health Awareness month in May in the United States. With millions of Americans suffering from mental health disorders and heightened levels of stress from the pandemic upheaving our “normal,” I wanted to dedicate a post to things we can each do to observe and honor Mental Health Awareness Month.
1. Check in with yourself.
How are you doing today? I mean how are you really doing? Is something weighing on you? Are you stressing about a big project that’s due at work or an exam next week? Are you feeling anxious?
Maybe you’re okay. Maybe you’re feeling great! Any of those emotions are valid and worthy. The important thing is that you acknowledge them. So often we rush through life laser focused on our obligations and on taking care of others that we forget to check in with ourselves. Make a moment or 5 minutes today to take inventory on where you’re at mentally and emotionally. Set aside the time. You deserve it. Try a meditation, yoga practice, mindfulness practice, or breathing exercise.
Know that it’s okay not to be okay. Sometimes for me just taking the time to acknowledge and accept what I’m feeling makes me feel better. Sometimes it takes a little more than that. Know who you can talk to vent to, and trust who will help you carry the weight. Know the things that will make you feel better when you’re down. If you can determine the healthy resources that work for you ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to fall into dangerous or unhealthy coping habits. For me, these good go-to habits are yoga, walking, swimming, and running.
Also know that seeking professional help is a good thing. I have never heard of someone going to therapy and regretting it. If you think talking to a counselor would help you, give it a chance.
2. Educate yourself and promote mental health resources.
Learn about what professional resources are available to you and the people you care about. Are there services that your workplace offers that support the mental wellness of their employees?
There are different forms of therapy nowadays from in-person to texting, there are hotlines to call, and there are often other workplace specific resources too. Do some research and share what you learn.
3. Check in with your friends and family.
You never know who might need an ear.
Sometimes, I worry about venting to a friend who I know has a lot of stress in their own life already. I don’t want to burden them by unloading my stress and adding to theirs. So then I just keep it to myself. I don’t think I’m alone in this. But if they call me, it’s an invitation to open up and be honest about how I’m feeling because they’re already making the time to call.
I’d guess there are lots of people in your life that know you care about them without you having to pick up the phone and tell them every day. They know you’ll be there whenever they need you. But a lot of times we don’t need something until it shows up. Someone might need you more than you know today.
If someone is on your mind and heart today, pick up the phone and give them a call.
4. Have conversations about the stigma.
To me, mental health disorders and brain injuries are as valid and serious as a broken arm or any other injury. You are not weak if your mental resiliency or sensitivity is different from the next person. We are all wired differently and have different life experiences that lead to very different things happening in each of our brains.
Have discussions about what we can do to better support one another and defeat the stigmas that persist around mental health.
5. If you’re ready, be vulnerable and share your experiences.
If you feel comfortable talking about things that affected your mental health in the past, opening up about those experiences can make people feel permission to open up to you. In some cases, you could save someone’s life by sharing how you managed a hard experience or time in your own life.
References and Resources
- https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
- https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Partners-and-Events/YANA2021-Partner-Guide.pdf
- https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hr): 800-273-8255
- Counseling: https://www.betterhelp.com
I think that Mental Health and Wellness is so important and something we don’t talk about often enough. Remember to check in with yourself, your family, and your friends not just this month, but also on a regular basis.
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Cheers!
Sarah
