Mental health awareness month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of living with a mental health challenge, educate the public to cultivate a sense of understanding and acceptance, and provide support throughout our community.

Mental health is just as important as our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We must reduce the stigma associated with the term mental health. A visit to a counselor for some emotional support should be seen as just as important as an annual visit for a physical. Check in with yourself on your mental health and overall well-being.

Even though May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to check in with yourself, and your loved ones, often and make your mental health a priority every day, 365 days a year.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. This can include how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices in life. Everyone’s journey with mental health is unique and different.

A person’s mental health can change over time depending on many factors, such as stress, physical health conditions, family or relationship conflicts, work or social demands, and finances.

It is normal to experience times when you feel down, stressed, afraid, or anxious. Those feelings will usually pass, but occasionally they can persist and become more serious.

Sometimes, people can feel alone and uncomfortable sharing about their mental health challenges, but it is important to remember that mental health challenges can happen to anyone. You are not alone. There is hope and there is help.

The healthy habits below can play a role in your mental and emotional health:

Strive for a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for overall health. It’s the time when your body and mind recharge and repair.

Limit screen time. Blue light from screens (such as on phones, TVs and tablets) can make it harder to fall asleep. But what you’re watching matters, too. Too many violent or upsetting TV shows, the news, etc, can weigh on mental health. Looking at social media can lead to worry, depression and loneliness. Taking a break from media can sometimes help you reset.

Make time for mindfulness. Meditation, muscle relaxation and breathing exercises all work very well. Activities like yoga and tai chi are good examples of these. You might also try keeping a journal. Jot down what you’re doing, how you’re feeling and what you’re grateful for. Everyone is unique, so try different things until you find something you enjoy.

Nurture the meaningful relationships in your life. Close, quality, relationships are good for a happy, healthy life. If you are looking to make new friends, seek local community events or volunteer opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

Take time to laugh. Hang out with friends, watch a comedy, or do an activity that brings you joy. Laughter can help reduce anxiety. Smiling can help lower your heart rate and promote calm feelings.

Work on your strengths. Build self-confidence by doing something that you enjoy and are good at.

Do your best to make healthy choices. Eat healthy and regular meals, strive to get regular exercise, exercise good sleep hygiene practices, practice forgiveness, and build and nurture healthy relationships in your life.

The good news is that you don’t have to take a whole “mental health day” or even an hour to recharge. Taking bite-size stress breaks (5 to 10 minutes at a time) each day can help maintain or improve mental health.

It takes bravery, strength, and persistence to reach out for help. There is hope and there is help. Recovery means different things to different individuals, but it is always possible. Seek ways to raise awareness, this month and every month, to help build a strong and supportive community.

Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call, text, or chat 988

Veterans Crisis Line: call 988, then press *1*

Crisis Text Line: Text “SUPPORT” TO 741741

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+) 866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Safe Haven (Violence and Crisis Prevention) 307-864-HOPE (4673)

Your healthcare professional, faith-based leader, school counselor, or trusted friend or call 911.