How many times a day do you get asked “How are you?” and give the automatic response of “I’m fine”. Most of us default to this response — whether it’s because we don’t have time to give a deeper explanation or we don’t want to share about how we actually are. When was the last time we checked in on ourselves and asked “How am I really doing”? Mental Health Awareness month is an opportunity to step back and answer that question honestly.
As the month of May rolls around, Mental Health Awareness Month, founded by Mental Health America in 1949, encourages us to break the silence and prioritize our well-being. Its purpose is to open up the conversation surrounding mental health by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to reach out for help or support. During this month, various organizations – such as National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer resources and information to support individuals and communities with addressing their mental health.
With an increase in technology usage, specifically the growth of social media, mental health and mental illness are often misrepresented or misunderstood. Mental health is a deeply personal experience that cannot be captured by a single definition, often leading individuals to feel misunderstood or lost in their emotions. The beauty of Mental Health Awareness Month is that there is opportunity, through means of conversation, research, or even advertisements, to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health.
One of the common misconceptions surrounding mental health is that someone is either mentally healthy or mentally ill. In reality, one’s emotions exist on a continuum. Someone can feel fine one moment, and have a trigger that causes them to react in a certain way. Also, the presence of a mental illness does not always get in the way of an individual’s ability to live a happy and meaningful life. Mental illness does not define how someone acts in their lives, a completely healthy and fulfilled person can struggle. Recognizing that complexity is key.
Words and attitudes matter. Mental Health Awareness Month provides a more timely and visible space for discussions surrounding mental illness. When we engage in open, vulnerable conversations about mental health, we challenge stereotypes and create space for understanding. Whether it is hearing someone open up about their first-hand experiences, or self-reflecting on your own experiences, openly discussing mental illness can change how it is viewed by others.
For many individuals, it may feel intimidating or “not the right time” for them to discuss their mental health to others. While mental health should always be something acceptable to talk about, it may be easier for people to do so given the presence of Mental Health Awareness month.
This month also shines a spotlight on educational resources and available services, many of which are promoted more during this time. For those who may be unsure or hesitant to seek help, the advertisement of these services can serve as a crucial first step, without the vulnerability of having to ask for help. For instance, the National Institute of Mental Health published information on mental health conditions, including the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, etc. Also, organizations offer teaching resources that parents can use with their children, or educators can use in the classroom. Certain websites offer “Bystander intervention”, learning how to support and create safe spaces for people.
Recent statistics underscore just how important mental health awareness is. According to Mental Health America, nearly 60 million adults experienced a mental illness in the past year. Among these findings, nearly 13 million adults reported serious thoughts about suicide, and more than 45 million adults and 2.3 million youth are experiencing a substance use disorder. These numbers are sobering and show just why it is so important to have a better understanding and support for mental health.
Especially with an increase in the usage of technology, it is extremely important for individuals to stay in check with their mental health. Recent research has found that more exposure to the latest headlines—whether through the news or highlighted on social media—can have a negative impact on mental health. Specifically, with the current political, economic, and environmental conflicts in the US and the world, news is more often than not, draining. Research shows that exposure to distressing news can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, and even some symptoms of PTSD.
Supporting mental health begins with awareness and compassion – it doesn’t always mean having the perfect words, but rather being present and simply listening. All mental struggles manifest differently, so it is important to consistently check in on your friends, even when they may “seem fine.” People may mask their pain, and proactive support can be extremely influential.
It may be helpful to open up to your loved ones, in hopes of normalizing conversations regarding mental health. Just like you might share tips with friends about taking care of your physical health, consider the month of May an opportunity to share your experience of how you are caring for your mental health, in hopes of inspiring others. You can be powerful in spreading the message that “it’s okay to not always be okay,” and motivate individuals to seek out help when they need it.
While you have these conversations, it is important to recognize the language you use. Language is powerful, and it is something to pay attention to. In most cases, it is good to use language that puts the person first rather than the condition. For instance, using phrases like “a person with depression” rather than “a depressed person.”
In the end, watching out for yourself and checking in with how you feel should be a priority. Practicing self care and managing your stress is crucial to your mental health. Whether this be getting enough sleep or exercise, reaching out for support from friends or family, or practicing mindfulness during your day — your health is important and the healthier you are, the more able you are to support others too.
You may hear the phrase mind-body connection. What this means is that mental and physical health are related and can affect one another. Taking care of your physical health requires taking care of your mental health, and taking care of your mental health requires taking care of your physical health. Our mental health determines how we go through our day-to-day lives, and the month of May allows for us to take a step back and recognize that.
Mental Health Awareness month can be a collective call to rethink how we view and value mental well-being in our communities and ourselves, and how our mental health is molded by our environments, relationships, culture, and daily pressure. Yes, the month brings great opportunity and awareness—but lasting impacts cannot take place in just a month. Let May open this conversation and motivate individuals to keep checking in with their loved ones and themselves, challenging stigma, and advocating for mental health.
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