Make Mental Health Month a Priority This May

We can always use a reminder to prioritize our mental health and this May, annually recognized as Mental Health Month, we want to help you do just that.

Mental Health Month, also known as Mental Health Awareness Month, was established in 1949 as a way to increase awareness about mental health conditions and highlight just how important our mental well-being is to our overall health. It is also intended to help minimize the stigma around this important topic and remove some of the barriers that so often stand in the way of seeking out help.

It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t need to have a diagnosed mental health condition in order to benefit from prioritizing your inner wellness during Mental Health Month. Whatever your situation, putting your mental health first—and helping others do the same—is worth the effort, and there are lots of ways to accomplish this.

What You Should Know About Mental Health Awareness Month

Founded by Mental Health America (MHA), Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to spreading education and awareness around essential mental health topics, including the critical steps that all of us can take to address the mental health needs of ourselves and others.

Anyone and everyone can benefit from targeted conversations around mental health, including those of all ages and backgrounds. Nearly half (46%) of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lifetime, according to MHA, and even those who don’t can still face the occasional bout of stress or anxiety.

The more we work on how to bring awareness to mental health, the more we make it easier for ourselves and our loved ones to recognize inner struggles and take appropriate action to overcome them. That’s something that’s worth getting involved with, regardless of how much you feel comfortable in participating during this year’s Mental Health Month.

Prioritizing Mental Wellness: Activities for Mental Health

Be proactive in prioritizing your mental health with these impactful Mental Health Awareness Month activities.

The theme of this year’s event is Tools 2 Thrive, with a focus on developing practical skills that we can all use to improve our mental health, process big changes, and adapt after stress and trauma. If you’re interested in getting involved, here are some ways to do it.

Check in with yourself

Are you feeling stressed? Burned out? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Now is a great time to take a mental health inventory and, if warranted, visit with a mental health professional for a more in-depth screening.

Spread awareness

Hop on board with mental health outreach ideas that help spread the word about the importance of talking about and addressing our mental health needs. An easy way to do this is to post about Mental Health Month on social media, or just join the conversation using the hashtag #MentalHealthMonth or #MentalHealthAwareness.

Talk to your loved ones

Reach out to the important people in your life and let them know that you’re there for them. This can mean simply checking in to see how they’re doing, or perhaps starting a dialogue about mental health, including why it matters and how to ask for help. This is especially crucial for children or teens, who may not have the tools or confidence to reach out on their own.

Mental Health Awareness Month is for everybody. Learn more about the signs of common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and if you or someone you love is in need of additional support, we encourage you to seek out professional help. Contact us today to learn about our mental health programs, including our outpatient and telehealth services.