May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding, compassion, and action around mental health issues. This month serves as a vital opportunity to break down the stigmas that unfortunately still surround mental illness. It's also a chance to promote open conversations and support systems for those who need help or wish to offer it, but are unsure where to begin.
One powerful way to enhance mental well-being is through a daily gratitude practice. Research has shown that regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life can significantly boost mental health. This simple yet effective habit can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, and a greater sense of overall happiness. Our Thankable journal is the perfect tool to begin or continue your gratitude practice.
But gratitude is just the beginning. Here are five other ways you can support yourself and those around you during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.
Educate Yourself and Others - When You Know Better, You Do Better
Understanding mental health is the first step in breaking down stigma and providing effective support. By educating yourself about different mental health conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options, you become more informed and empathetic. This knowledge can dispel myths and misconceptions that contribute to stigma, making it easier for people to seek help without fear of judgment.
Sharing this knowledge with others is equally important, and it's easier than you think. Start conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about what you’ve learned and how it relates to the people around you. Use social media platforms to spread accurate information and helpful resources. Education has a ripple effect; the more people understand mental health, the more supportive and accepting our communities become, and the more people can get help when needed.
Consider participating in or organizing educational events. Workshops, webinars, and community talks can provide valuable information and foster a collective understanding of people's struggles and the resources available near you. Most groups offer training for people interested in becoming mental health advocates. By committing to continuous learning and sharing, you can contribute to a more informed and compassionate society.
Volunteer - Be the Good You Wish to See
Volunteering with mental health organizations can have a significant impact on both your community and your mental health. Many organizations rely on volunteers to provide support services, run events, and raise awareness and funds. Your time and skills can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness, in both the long and short term.
Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community. This could involve working with crisis hotlines, participating in support groups, or helping with administrative tasks. There are so many opportunities and so much need! Think outside the box to find something that resonates with you. For example, if you're a dog lover, does your local school district have a therapy dog program? If you can become certified with your pet through a group like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and have a couple of hours a week available during school hours, you could play a vital role in the emotional support of kids in your community. Many organizations offer training for volunteers, so you don’t need to have prior experience in mental health to get involved.
Volunteering can also benefit your mental health. Helping others can provide a sense of purpose, increase feelings of happiness and self-worth, and reduce stress. When you focus on others and their struggles, you can often gain new perspectives on the world and how we are all interconnected.
Foster Open Dialogue - Talk About It!
Creating an atmosphere where mental health discussions are welcomed and normalized can make a significant difference in how people manage their challenges. Start by being open about your own experiences and feelings. When you share your story, it encourages others to do the same, breaking the silence that often surrounds mental health issues.
Actively listen when others share their experiences. Show empathy and understanding, and refrain from offering unsolicited advice. Sometimes, simply being there and acknowledging someone’s feelings is the most supportive action you can take. This fosters trust and makes it easier for people to seek help when they need it.
Encourage mental health discussions at family dinners, team meetings, and other social gatherings. By bringing these conversations into everyday life, you help to normalize them. Use these opportunities to share information about available resources and support services. Creating a culture of openness and support can help people feel less shame, and lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for those struggling with mental health issues.
Practice Self-Care - More Than Just Bubble Baths
Self-care is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health and well-being. It involves deliberately taking time to care for your physical and emotional needs. Start by identifying activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, exercising, or spending time in nature. Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Your self-care plan might include setting aside time each day for relaxation, establishing healthy boundaries at work and home to avoid burnout, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. Regular self-care can prevent mental health issues from escalating and enhance your resilience in the face of challenges.
Remember that self-care is not selfish; it is essential for your well-being. Flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to care for others. Encourage those around you to prioritize their self-care as well. Sharing these practices creates a supportive culture where everyone can give themselves permission to pause, to say no to things that don't serve their best interest, and to heal.
Reach Out - Talking Through It
The most profound impact you can make in the life of someone with mental health struggles is to reach out. Check-in with friends, family, or colleagues who may be going through a tough time. Make that phone call to ask with sincerity how they are doing, and let them know you care about them.
Offer your support in a non-judgmental way. Listen without interrupting. Ask before offering solutions - they might just want to vent. Your presence and willingness to be a shoulder to lean on can provide the comfort and reassurance they need in that moment. If you feel someone needs more help than you can offer, gently suggest they seek out a professional. You can offer to help them find a therapist or support group in person or online, and even drive them if transportation is an issue.
It’s also important to respect their boundaries. Some people may not be ready to talk about their challenges, and that’s okay. Let them know you are there for them whenever they are ready, but continue to check in periodically. Being patient and persistent, while respecting their privacy, can help build trust and encourage them to open up when they're ready.
Remember, taking care of mental health is just as important as physical health. By incorporating these practices, you can help create a more compassionate and supportive environment both for yourself and the people around you. Addressing mental health issues on this micro level can have far-reaching, positive societal impacts on the rates of homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and suicide. It starts with you.
Thankable + You
At Thankable, we’re passionate about mental health support and dialog. Our flagship product is an interactive gratitude journal that helps establish healthy, positive relationships with yourself and others and fosters mental and physical well-being and resiliency. Our journal is crafted with you in mind, and to create long-term gratitude habits and lasting life change. The Thankable journal is currently 30% until May 31, 2024, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
If you're thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, the 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7. It offers crisis resources, as well as free and confidential support to people in distress. Call or text the number 988 - it is confidential and free.