What You Should Know About May’s Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time to educate yourself and others on the importance of mental wellness.
Research has shown that 1 in 5 Americans deal with a mental illness. People are struggling with stress, dealing with depression, and living with anxiety that threatens to control everything they do.
Unfortunately, so many people go either undiagnosed or don’t get the help and treatment they deserve because of a lack of understanding, resources, or support when it comes to mental health. That’s what this month is all about.
So, what should you know about Mental Health Awareness Month, and what can you do to participate in it?
Why Is This Month So Important?
You don’t have to suffer from a mental health issue yourself to recognize that mental health awareness is crucial. You undoubtedly know at least one person dealing with a mental health issue, even if they don’t talk about it, and they do a good job of hiding their symptoms.
Mental Health Awareness Month helps people learn more about the signs and symptoms of different mental health conditions. You might recognize some symptoms in yourself or be able to pick them up when you’re around loved ones who might not be willing to open up.
The more people educate themselves on mental health issues and how they can impact a person’s daily life, the more stigma surrounding those issues will start to fall. Far too many people don’t get the help they need because they’re worried about how they might be viewed or judged. Education helps to put a stop to that.
Who Benefits From Mental Health Awareness Month?
This month benefits everyone. Again, even if you don’t struggle with your mental well-being, you likely know someone who does.
Educating yourself on different mental health conditions and their impact is just the start. You can also use this month to learn more about how to help those struggling. By taking active steps to understand what you can do, you could end up saving a loved one’s life or encouraging them to get the help they need that turns their life around.
What Can You Do for Others?
There are national and personal ways you can celebrate this month’s impact. On a large scale, you can do your part by raising funds for mental health organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). You can also look for local organizations hosting events throughout the month that you can participate in. That might include an educational or fun event to raise money, like a walk-a-thon or other interesting fundraisers.
On a smaller but equally important scale, don’t hesitate to talk to the people in your life about mental health. Let them know you support them if they’re struggling and that you want to be there for them in whatever ways they might need.
Finally, prioritize your mental health. Practice self-care and make wellness practices a part of your daily routine. That could include getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising every day. Journaling, deep breathing, and mindfulness are also wonderful self-care practices that make it easy to focus on your mental well-being while reducing stress.
Finally, consider talking to a therapist if you feel like your mental health has been struggling for a while. Therapy is a great way to better understand your symptoms and where any issues might stem from so you can start moving forward. If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month or want to know what you can do to make a difference, feel free to reach out to learn more about anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
To find out more about my services, click here: Anxiety Therapy
About the Author
Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, overwhelm, and identity challenges. He is certified in HeartMath, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and breathwork facilitation. Taylor is the founder of Inner Heart Therapy, where he provides online therapy across multiple states.
