Founded in 1949 by Mental Health America, Mental Health Awareness Month has long led the effort to raise awareness and promote education and conversations around mental wellness throughout May. The efforts to raise mental health awareness continue to be important, especially with an estimated one in five U.S. adults living with a mental illness today.
Mental illness covers a broad range of conditions that vary in severity, from depression and anxiety disorders to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it can be difficult to make a priority, this Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to discuss why mental health is so important and what strategies you can use to support your own mental well-being.
Why It’s Important to Understand Mental Health
Mental health includes a person’s social, psychological, and emotional well-being. It’s just as essential to overall well-being as physical health, as the two work in sync together and impact each other in numerous ways.
“A person’s ‘frame of mind’ affects how they think and feel,” says Dr. Christina Rahm, a patent-holding scientist, author, and entrepreneur. “That mindset can really determine how we make decisions in our lives and how we manage our stress. When it comes to your own mindset, it’s helpful for you to be able to recognize potential signs and symptoms of mental health issues.”
Dr. Rahm notes, “Mental illnesses of varying severity are quite common,” she says. “By thinking of mental health symptoms in terms of a chronic nature, you can more easily understand the impact that those symptoms have. For example, clinical symptoms for a number of different mental disorders can include chronic feelings of sadness, excessive fear or worries, isolation, irritability, low energy levels, and drastic changes in eating and/or sleeping.”
Recognition, education, and open conversations around mental health ensure that individuals are more prepared to understand their own conditions and how to navigate them, both on their own and with additional support. That understanding also allows people to help those around them, such as family members and friends who may struggle with mental health.
By discussing and understanding how mental health impacts people, the topic can be further destigmatized, which helps to break down the reluctance people may feel not to seek out treatment or help.
“Take the time to research and understand mental health, whether or not you have a specific diagnosis,” Dr. Rahm says. “This will help you feel more empowered to talk about your mental health with family, friends, and a professional. And it will give you a better idea of how to begin addressing your mental health.”
Steps to Help Support Your Mental Wellness
Prioritizing your mental health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “An important first step for anyone is to speak with a professional about what you’re experiencing,” Dr. Rahm says. “General healthcare practitioners can review your symptoms, create treatment plans, and refer you to specialists if needed. Some treatment plans may include medication, therapy, or a hybrid approach of both.”
There’s no one-size-fits-all method to addressing mental health, especially when certain conditions may require different treatments. But self-care strategies that a healthcare professional can help you develop will go a long way.
Additional steps you can take to help support your mental well-being include:
- Get sleep. A lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, or even sleeping too much can definitely impact your mental health. Stick to a sleep schedule, reduce exposure to blue light devices (i.e., cellphones, tablets, and computers) before bedtime, and aim for eight hours of sleep a night.
- Spend time with loved ones. Depression, in particular, can leave people feeling isolated and alone. This may cause you to want to withdraw. Creating time to see friends, family, and other trusted loved ones can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity of any kind can help ease symptoms and boost your energy levels. Take a daily walk, hit the gym, or have fun dancing. Thirty minutes of movement a day can boost your mood and improve your overall health.
- Set achievable goals. Setting daily goals for yourself can help give you a sense of control in your day and provide motivation. Be sure to take time to appreciate your accomplishments each day, no matter how big or small.
- Begin meditating. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing help improve your sense of well-being. Try to set aside time each day to relax so it becomes a regular part of your routine.
Different approaches may work better for you than for others, and that’s alright. Figuring out the best approach for yourself, often with the support of a professional, may take a bit of trial and error. But by understanding more about mental health and the strategies you can use, you’ll be able to prioritize your health in new ways.
“Remember, your mental health is a priority,” Dr. Rahm emphasizes. “Don’t be afraid to take care of it, seek help, and prioritize self-care.”
