Mental Health Awareness Month

What does Mental Health mean to you? Some might say it’s very important; some might say there are other things that take priority, but the fact is that it affects us. Mental Health is one of the few things that all humans are affected by, so much so that there is an entire month that is dedicated to educating those who are unaware of the importance of Mental Health. Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated every year during the month of May, going all the way back to 1949 when the National Association for Mental Health started Mental Health Awareness Month as an initiative aimed to educate the public, increase awareness of Mental Health, and celebrate recovery from Mental illness, and it stands by the same meaning till this day.

Mental Health by definition, “is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that influences how individuals think, feel, behave, and handle life's challenges”, Mental Health is broad as it exists as a spectrum; this is because there are many different factors that affect it and, in return, affect us. Mental health is all around us in our daily lives. It affects the relationships we have with those we love, the decisions we make every day, and the ways we respond during both the highest and lowest moments of our lives. Mental health is a part of who we are, and it should be treated as something that deserves care, attention, and time.

For those who want to prioritize and improve their mental health, it is important to understand that the journey will look different for everyone. For some, improving mental health may mean taking five minutes out of the day to sit with and process their emotions. For others, it may mean attending therapy once a week, reaching out for support, or making healthier changes in their daily life. No matter how big or small the step may seem, every effort matters. Mental health is not something to ignore or push aside; it is a part of who we are, and taking care of it is one of the most important forms of self-care and personal growth. Some ways you can start your journey of mental health is doing something such as

·       Get consistent sleep and rest

·       Spend time with supportive people

·       Exercise or move your body regularly

·       Take breaks from social media when needed

·       Practice mindfulness, prayer, or deep breathing

·       Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated

·       Spend time outside and get sunlight

·       Journal your thoughts or emotions

·       Set small, realistic goals each day

·       Reach out for therapy or support when needed