It’s May, so you’re just checking in… “How’s everyone?”
In case you missed it, Sesame Street’s lovable Elmo asked that very question on social media earlier this year – and the responses started pouring in. From relationship problems to financial problems and feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, loneliness and disconnection, people shared their struggles. At last count, Elmo’s post had garnered more than 217 million views, 15,000 reposts, 165,000 likes and 45,000 replies on just one social media platform. What it helps reveal is that many of us are NOT ok – and it’s important to recognize that and deal with it and make sure people know there’s help available. SAMHSA has several supports and resources that can help.
Mental health conditions can affect anyone
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on our wellbeing. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income level. Recent data (PDF | 622 KB) underscores that our nation is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis among people of all ages and backgrounds, including young children and older adults. To put that into perspective, if you stood in a room full of people, at least one in five of those people likely experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions in the last year.
The good news is… mental health conditions are treatable. As seen by the many athletes, entertainers and prominent public figures who have spoken openly about their experiences, people living with mental illness can – and do – lead happy and productive lives. And that includes serious mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, which can affect one’s life and ability to function. Similar to medical conditions like diabetes, with early and consistent treatment, people with serious mental illnesses can manage their conditions, overcome challenges, and enjoy meaningful, productive lives.
At SAMHSA, we are committed to increasing access to mental health services and support nationwide. We understand that many Americans may feel reluctant to ask for help or seek care. We want you to know that we see you, hear you and support you. We believe that with the right care, anyone affected by – or at risk of – a mental health condition can achieve wellness and thrive. And if you take care of yourself, you can also be a support for others — a lifeline for someone else.
Language matters when it comes to mental health
The more we talk about mental health together, the more normal these conversations become – ultimately empowering people to seek the help they need. And thankfully, more people are now speaking up and prioritizing their mental health as they would their physical health. They also embrace self-care to improve overall well-being. This is critical because when you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health also improves and you are more likely to learn and work productively and deal effectively with life’s stressors. However, self-care looks different for everyone. Exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet may be the strategy for some, while others may benefit from joining a support group or seeing a mental health professional. It is important to determine what works best for you.
Just as you might share tips with friends about maintaining a healthy weight or improving blood pressure, consider taking the opportunity this month to share your experience of how you take care of your mental health. Help enforce the message that it’s okay not to be okay and encourage people (PDF | 98 KB) to seek help when they need it. And, as you have these conversations, think about the words you use: language is powerful, and your choice of words can help eliminate or contribute to misunderstandings. One of the most effective ways to communicate about mental health is to use first-person language to put the person before their diagnosis, disability, or other characteristics. For example:
- Instead of saying ‘John is schizophrenic…or bipolar’, say ‘John is a person who suffers from schizophrenia…or who has bipolar disorder’.
- Instead of describing someone as ‘suffering from a mental illness’, say ‘experiencing or living with a mental illness’.
It is also important to use language that promotes participation and respect. When we use open, compassionate and fair language about mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need.
Take action
SAMHSA will be hosting several “Mental Health Awareness Month” events for associates and fellows throughout May. Details of any virtual events open to the public will be available on our Mental Health Awareness Month website.
Mental Health Action Day is May 16, providing an opportunity to take the next step from awareness to action for yourself, a loved one or your community. This could be as simple as adopting a positive ‘mental health habit’ such as eating a balanced diet, getting good rest or exercise, or providing support to a friend or family member who is struggling. Here are some additional strategies to consider on Mental Health Action Day.
- Practicing Gratitude: Think about what you are grateful for – like supportive family and friends, a safe home, or even a beautiful day. Or find something to celebrate, like a recent achievement. Consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Volunteer: Participating in community organizations and finding opportunities to help others can provide a positive boost and sense of purpose.
- Participate in random acts of kindness: Buy a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you, hold the door open for a stranger, or make food for a neighbor or colleague. There are many small acts that can brighten someone else’s day.
- Practice Intelligence: Take a few minutes to meditate, take a yoga class, or do some breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- I’m looking for help: Whether it’s to yourself from someone else, seek help through SAMHSA’s resources. Recovery is possible.
Show compassion – and be a lifeline to others
In addition to focusing on taking care of yourself this Mental Health Awareness Month, consider checking in on your loved ones.
- Parents/Kids: If you’re a parent or carer, talk to your children about their mental health. Getting help during the early stages of mental illness, or at the first signs of mild behavioral health symptoms, can help these symptoms develop into more serious conditions.
- Older adults: If you know an older adult who may be experiencing bereavement, illness or isolation, watch for clues and ask how they are doing during visits. CDC data shows that suicide rates are rising, especially among adults aged 65 and over – so it’s important to recognize the warning signs so we can offer help.
- New mothers: If you know someone who is pregnant or has recently given birth, check in to see how she is feeling. About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of postpartum depression in the year after giving birth – so it’s quite common and no one should be ashamed or hesitant to seek help. But if left untreated, maternal mental health problems can lead to devastating consequences, including pregnancy-related deaths such as suicides, drug overdoses and other unintentional injuries.
These are just a few examples of how you can serve as a lifeline to others this month and beyond. Simply listening and offering support can make a significant – and even life-saving – difference to someone living with mental illness.
Let me quote Elmo’s heartfelt post, “Elmo’s glad he asked! Elmo learned that it’s important to ask a friend how they’re doing.” Consider heeding this advice. By encouraging others to seek or access help or simply being there for someone in need, we instill hope in ourselves and those around us.
SAMHSA Resources
SAMHSA’s 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month resources, including a digital toolkit, are on the Mental Health Awareness Month website. To learn how to get support for mental health conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are looking for treatment services in your community, visit FindTreatment.gov. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additional SAMHSA wellness and recovery resources
