It’s May and spring is officially here. Flowers bloom. The children are playing outside. The birds are chirping. For me, this time of year is often associated with growth, renewal, hope and positivity – a perfect time to start Mental Health Awareness Month and a perfect time to focus on our own mental health and wellbeing .
Self-care is essential for mental health and general well-being. I am encouraged to see more and more people prioritizing their mental health as they would their physical health. We’ve seen professional athletes, actors and other high-profile public figures put their jobs on hold to put their mental health first. This is such a healthy and important step because by raising awareness and acceptance of mental health, we not only empower ourselves, but also help remove the stigma, enforce the message that it’s not okay to be well, and encourage people to seek help when needed.
When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves. You become more resilient. and makes it easier to find ways to manage life’s stressors in a healthy and positive way.
Here are just a few suggested strategies you can use to maintain positive mental health. The key is to try them out and see what works for you. Then apply them regularly.
- Enjoy the magic of nature: Research shows that Immersion in nature can help with mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, simply going for a walk or a hike in a natural environment can help you manage these symptoms of depression and anxiety. Consider setting yourself a reminder to get up and get outside! This will help you stick to your plan to get some fresh air and will also help you maintain positive mental health throughout your day.
- Connect with your family or friends: This is another great way to reduce stress and even improve mental health. We are social beings and thrive on the connection, support, love and belonging that our friends, family and communities bring us. Studies show that People who feel connected to others are less likely to feel anxious or sadand often feel increased happiness.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation, can help manage stress and anxiety. Taking time for mindful techniques, even just a few minutes at the end or beginning of your day can make a big difference.
- Extracurricular: Join a book club, take a hobby-related class, or enjoy live music with others.
- Spend time with your pets: Owning a pet can help reduce stress and boost endorphins. Pet owners may socialize and connect with other pet owners or be outside more often – both great ways to improve or maintain positive mental health.
- Volunteer: Helping others and participating in community organizations can also be a positive boost. Many community organizations welcome volunteers.
- Sleep: Another critical piece to maintaining positive mental health is getting enough sleep. Try to sleep for as long as you need to feel rested and refreshed during the day.
- Join a support group: Communicate and connect with others who can share strategies for getting through tough times.
- Eat right: Food can affect our mood. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
- Excercise: Set aside time each day to walk, run, bike, or anything else you can do to move your body.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and other substances: Limiting your substance use will improve your health and mental health.
- Practice self-gratitude: Being grateful for yourself, for what you have and the life around you, can promote positive thinking.
Focusing on self-care is important because we play a role in each other’s mental well-being. It is up to each of us to be a lifeline, to share in the commitment to care for ourselves and those around us. However, you cannot help others if you do not take good care of your own mental health. Think of it like the safety briefing we get on an airplane. We are told to put on our own oxygen mask first before we can help others. The same philosophy applies to taking care of our own needs, including mental health needs, before we can be fully present and supportive of others in our lives.
When it comes to mental well-being, small actions can have a big impact. During Mental Health Awareness Month, do something good for others: hold the door open for someone. give a compliment. repay someone else’s kindness. See how these small acts boost your mental health and have the added benefit of likely having a positive impact on others.
Most importantly, check in on their loved ones and ask them how they are doing. Talk to your children about their mental health. We know that 1 in 5 children are experiencing behavioral problems such as anxiety or depression, which have worsened during the pandemic. If you notice your children are struggling, ask for help. 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. Additionally, getting help for yourself or your children could help your children develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. it is necessary for you to be able to care for others and lead a fulfilling life. By encouraging others to seek help, helping others access help, or simply being there for someone when they need us, we instill hope in ourselves and those around us.
So, make self-care a priority this May and beyond. Spread the positivity. Be optimistic. Practice patience and kindness and empathy towards others. It just might make a life-changing difference.
All Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 resources can be found at Mental Health Awareness Month.
Wellness and recovery resources
Healing resources
FindTreatment.gov
A confidential and anonymous source of information for people seeking treatment facilities in the United States or the US for substance use/addiction and/or mental health issues.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24-hour, free, confidential support for people in danger. Prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
SAMHSA National Helpline
This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention and recovery in English and Spanish.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Text your postcode to: 435748 (HELP4U)
