The Five Most Important Things to Remember During Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s May and that means Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m not sure about you, but when I see these awareness months of all kinds pop up on my calendar, I don’t give it too much thought. After all, what does it take to be aware? So, if you’re like me, when it comes to Mental Health Awareness Month, you’re probably thinking, “Yes, I am aware. I don’t always need an entire month dedicated to telling me about it.”
At RemedyLIVE we couldn’t agree more. In fact, we’d love to see mental health awareness as a topic discussed every month. Because the more we talk about, the less awkward it becomes. And that leads to less shame and more hope.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time dedicated to spreading knowledge and understanding about mental health issues, breaking down stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help when needed. Which is precisely what we aim to do all month long.
So as we develop a greater sense of awareness and more courage to speak up, we wanted to remind you of 5 important—even critical—things to remember during Mental Health Awareness Month.
1. Remember You Are Not Alone
Being alone isn’t always bad, but feeling isolated or disconnected is a common experience for those struggling with mental health issues. It’s more of an internal struggle rather than a result of your external environment. In other words, you could feel alone and isolated even with a lot of people around you.
Most often that isolated feeling comes from believing that your struggles are unique to you. However, it's vital to recognize that millions of people around the world share similar challenges. There is a community and support network available for everyone. So if you’re struggling in silence, speak up.
If Your Child Struggles With Loneliness or Isolation, Click Here for More Reading
2. Remember That Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength
If you do speak up and admit that you need help, does that mean you’re weak? That you somehow can’t cut it? Do you believe that your ability to lead at work or your family means you need to bury your struggles, figure it out on your own, and appear calm no matter how big the storm gets?
There is this misconception that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of weakness when in fact, the opposite is true. It takes courage to acknowledge your struggles and to reach out for assistance. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and the first step towards recovery.
3. Remember to Seek Education and Understanding
Knowing more is always better and despite my own personal wishes, ignorance is not bliss. Especially when it comes to your mental health. Educating yourself and others about mental health is fundamental. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and available treatments can empower you to take action for yourself or support others around you. Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating the stigma that often surrounds mental health.
To help you sort through the litany of information available, RemedyLIVE has created some simple but incredible resources to help you work on mental wellness, navigate the struggles when the come, and find the help you may need. So, be sure to Visit Our Page dedicated to Mental Health Awareness month, or check out our Mental Health 101 page.
4. Remember That Self-Care is Essential
Parents this one is for you. Great parents put their kids first right? Well, that might be true. If you’ve ever flown on a commercial airline then you have heard the safety routine given by the flight attendants each time.
Let’s see if you were paying attention. If the cabin pressure drops, masks will drop down. Grab the mask and secure it to your face over your nose. But what’s the number one rule? Always secure your mask first before assisting another. Why? Because you’re no good to anyone (especially your kids) passed out from a lack of oxygen. The same is true of self-care. You’re no good to anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Self-care is not selfish; it's essential. Taking time to care for your mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Whether it's through meditation, exercise, or pursuing hobbies, find what works for you and make it a part of your routine.
Click Here for More Information About Improving Balance in Your Daily Life
5. Remember to Focus on Compassion and Empathy
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to pay attention and practice compassion and empathy whenever possible. You never really know what is going on in another person’s life, the struggles they may be facing, and how much they are working to fake it until they make it.
A kind word or a listening ear can make a significant difference in someone's life. It might be just what they need to speak up themselves, reveal their struggle and find help. It’s now about fixing their issues it’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, let's be clear and unite in the message that no one should face mental health challenges alone. Let's spread hope, promote healing, and foster a community where everyone feels supported and understood. Remember, your mental health is a priority, your presence is a gift, and your story is not over. Let's carry the spirit of this month throughout the year and continue to build a world where mental health is treated with the same urgency and respect as physical health.
