Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month arrives as an important reminder of the crucial role mental health plays in our overall wellbeing. In a world that often prioritizes the physical over the psychological, this is our opportunity to shift the dialogue, bust stigmas, and take action in supporting mental wellness for ourselves and those around us.
The stats don’t lie: 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness, and rates of depression and anxiety continue rising across all ages and demographics. Mental health conditions shouldn’t be whispered about or suffered through in silence. It’s time we treat psychological struggles with the same compassion, resources, and activism afforded to physical health issues.
So what can we do, both individually and collectively, to elevate mental wellness to the priority it deserves? Here are some key steps we can all take.
Educate Ourselves and Our Communities
Knowledge is power. Take time this month to educate yourself on common mental health conditions: what they look like, what causes them, and how to get help. Share that wisdom far and wide through work, school, and social media—wherever you can get eyes on it. The more we understand, the more we can cut through the noise and get real about supporting each other.
Prioritize Self-Care Practices
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword reserved for luxury bath bombs and face masks (though those are awesome too!). It’s a vital tool for managing stress and keeping our mindsets in check. This month, make it a priority to carve out time for self-care practices that fill your cup, whether that’s meditating, journaling, getting creative, or going outdoors. Show the world that prioritizing emotional wellbeing is a step in the right direction.
Support Local Mental Health Organizations
There are so many incredible grassroots organizations doing the hard work of mental health education, suicide prevention, providing affordable care options, and fighting stigma. Get involved by volunteering, attending events, or just amplifying their voices far and wide. Every bit helps strengthen their game-changing mission.
Lead with Empathy at Work and School
Our work and educational environments can seriously impact our mental wellbeing for better or worse. So let’s be the change! Advocate for more mental health resources, policies that support emotional wellness, and a culture of openness at every level. Start an employee support group, lobby for better healthcare coverage, or push for mental health training. Remember: small steps can lead to powerful change.
Use Your Vote Wisely
At all levels of government, we need leaders who will walk the walk on mental health reform. From local government all the way up, use your vote to elevate candidates with robust mental health platforms that promote prevention, intervention, and destigmatization.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great starting point, but the real work is in showing up every day to prioritize mental wellness. So let’s do our part to prioritize mental wellness for ourselves, our loved ones, our community and the broader society we all deserve to thrive in.