May is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, and reminding us all to take pause and prioritize ourselves and our well-being. According to the CDC, more than one in five adults and children struggle with mental health issues. The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to inform people of the difficulties experienced by those who are struggling with mental health problems and to create an open and honest dialogue that fosters comprehension, empathy, and support – eliminating the stigma so often associated with mental health.
Our overall well-being depends on our mental health. Like any other part of our body, when our mind is not functioning as it should, we cannot be our best selves. Our mental health can have an internal impact on the way we think and feel and it can externally affect our relationships and behaviors at work and with friends.
Maintaining our mental health needs attention and it is something we will have to work on throughout our entire lives. Here are some ways to make mental health a priority all year long, not just during the month of May:
- Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by doing things that make you happy. This might involve indulging in hobbies or even an occasional guilty pleasure, spending time outside, and meditation or yoga.
- Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk with trusted friends, family, or mental health experts. Asking for help indicates strength, not weakness.
- Get Informed: Learn about the different mental health issues and their signs and symptoms. This helps you to understand others’ struggles and act as a resource for them. Having this perspective helps eliminate that mental health stigma.
- Build Community: Work to build a community and surround yourself with meaningful relationships. Friends that build you up and support you no matter what, through the good times and bad.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion. Recognize that bad days are normal and treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would show a friend.
This month is such an important time to remind us all to pay attention to mental health. We can make our society a kinder and more inclusive place by fostering understanding, getting rid of stigmas, and being a resource for those around us struggling with mental health challenges. Take some time this month to prioritize yourself and check in on those around you.