Mental Health Month Matters
From Mental Health America
Today’s world can be stressful. While technology has provided us convenience and new ways to connect, it seems virtually impossible to truly disconnect and let our minds rest and recharge.
May is Mental Health Month, and it is a great time to focus on supporting your mental well-being. Here are some ideas you can use to support your mental health during the month of May, and beyond:
Build Coping Skills: Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, our stress and emotions take over. When this happens, it is good to have a coping toolbox to help navigate those feelings. Some people may prefer physical movement, like walking, gardening, or lifting weights. Others may prefer something they can do with their hands, like doing a puzzle or baking. Whatever your choice of activity, finding helpful ways to manage your emotions can increase positivity in your life and reduce stress.
Share Your Story, Listen to Others: Storytelling is the most powerful tool to reduce mental health stigma (negative attitudes or misconceptions). Opening up to friends and family about your own mental health journey will allow them to feel like they can share their story too. MHA’s Mental Health Month materials include tips to help you start conversations.
Unplug: Society is constantly connected to technology, which can (ironically) make us feel disconnected from our lives. One way you can set boundaries with your tech use is by placing your phone and other gadgets in a designated drawer/box. This way, they are out of sight and out of reach. Once you have unplugged, try taking time to enjoy nature, read a good book, or anything else that would give your mind, and eyes, a break from screens.
Process Your Feelings: Many of us put our feelings on pause so we can get everything done throughout the day. Taking time to sit with your feelings and let them out in a healthy way can make you feel lighter and calmer. You can check out the DIY tools and worksheets in MHA’s Mental Health Month toolkit to help guide your thinking, or talk with a friend or therapist. Because our feelings live in our bodies, you may also find it helpful to do something physical, like punch a pillow or rip up pieces of paper. As long as it does not hurt yourself or anyone else, all methods of processing your emotions are valid.
Take a Mental Health Test: If you have tried some of the tips above, but still find yourself struggling with your mental health, you might be showing the early warning signs of a mental health or substance use condition. Visit mhascreening.org to take an anonymous, free, and private mental health test. It only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about next steps you can take based on the results.
Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more about how you can support your mental health with information, tips, DIY tools, and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.