Mental Health Awareness
Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national movement in May that aims to increase awareness about mental health, fight stigma, celebrate recovery, and support Americans with mental illness and their families. Millions of people in the United States are affected by mental illness each year. In fact, mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the country. While more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults (22.8%) experience mental illness annually, only about half (47.2%) of people with mental illness receive treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Mental health can affect your overall well-being. For example, poor mental health can hinder your ability to think clearly, make healthy lifestyle choices and combat chronic disease. Here are some strategies to help you thrive year-round:
Create healthy routines. Healthy routines include eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising and getting enough sleep.
Own your feelings. Getting caught up in emotions can be easy as you’re feeling them. Taking the time to identify what you’re feeling can help you better cope with challenging situations.
Learn your triggers. Knowing what you negatively respond to can help you keep track of and be aware of how you react.
Connect with others. Connections help enrich your life and power you through challenging times. It’s important to spend time with your loved ones.
Cultivate gratitude. Practicing gratitude is linked to improved mental health. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, meditating or making a point to thank people in your life.
Practice self-care. Self-care techniques focused on relaxation or movement can help soothe negative symptoms of mental illness.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to check in on yourself and your loved ones. Remember that no one is alone. If you have concerns about your mental health. Please contact a doctor or mental health professional.
Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. This resource is confidential and available 24/7.
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to be connected to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, connect you to community resources or dispatch emergency services if necessary. This is another 24/7 confidential resource available in English and Spanish.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.