May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
Do you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? The truth is that many people don’t know, or if they do, they may not understand why recognition is essential. In reality, mental health is a huge deal. It impacts all of us, whether we realize it or not. So, in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s talk about why mental health needs to have its own recognized month. Furthermore, what can we do to support mental wellness for ourselves and others?
Your mental health influences how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Some signs of positive mental health include:
Feeling able to cope with everyday stresses
Maintaining good relationships
Having a sense of purpose and meaning
Feeling able to adapt to changes
On the other hand, poor mental health can make it difficult to cope with anxiety, stress, maintain relationships, and find purpose or meaning in life. Some common signs of poor mental health include:
Feeling sad, anxious, worried, or hopeless frequently
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Thinking about harming yourself or others
There are many resources available for those struggling with their mental health. One reason we should take the time to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month is to come together and work towards ending the stigma around mental health issues. By educating ourselves we can build a more supportive community for all.
Signs and Symptoms of Common Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety Disorders
Feeling anxious and worried is normal, but for some, it can interfere with daily life. Signs of an anxiety disorder include excessive worrying, restlessness, panic attacks, and avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. The most common types are social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Depressive Disorders
Everyone feels sad at times, but depression is more than just “feeling blue”. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Major depression can be long-lasting or recurring, substantially impairing one’s ability to function.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. Someone may go from feeling very energetic, irritable, and reckless (manic) to feeling very sad and hopeless (depressed). These mood swings can last for days or months.
Overcoming Stigma Related to Mental Illness
Mental health issues are more common than you may think. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding them. Here are a few things we can do to overcome stigma and create a more open dialogue.
Educate Yourself and Others
The more you understand various mental health conditions, the less frightening and foreign they seem. Research conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, and discuss what you’ve learned with family and friends to spread awareness. National Alliance on Mental Illness is a great resource for information.
Share Your Story
If you live with a mental health condition, consider being vocal about your experience. Your story can help others understand what it’s like and perhaps find the courage to share their struggles. Of course, only share what you feel comfortable with and take care of yourself first.
Use Compassionate Language
Pay attention to the words you use when talking about mental health. Avoid words like “crazy” or “psycho”. Instead, say a person “has a mental health condition” or “lives with a disorder”. Compassionate language can go a long way toward creating an open and judgment-free dialogue.
Advocate and Volunteer
Get involved with local mental health organizations and events. Volunteer your time, advocate for causes that promote mental health resources, and spread awareness of support programs in your area.
Reducing stigma will take time and effort, but each small action creates change. This May, do your part to build understanding, spread hope, and make sure no one feels alone in their struggle. We are dedicated to providing mental health resources and support to those in need. If you’re struggling with your mental health and want help, please get in touch with us.