Mental Health Awareness Month "More than Enough" 2023
For generations, people have been taught that if they experience any kind of mental health issue, they will automatically be put into an insane asylum. People have referred to in-patient facilities as "the looney bin" and even have referred to therapists as "shrinks". It has taken decades to educate society about what mental health is and how it affects everyone. That is why there is a strong emphasis on the month of May each year because it is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness.
Awareness is only one piece of the puzzle, however. If you are aware of something, but you don't do anything about it, then nothing will get better. Make this year the year that you finally take action to help yourself or someone you know with mental health issues.
Mental health issues, challenges, and/or diseases don't care how much money you make, who you are married to, how old you are, etc. If you aren't taking action to build a strong mental foundation or work through traumas, your mental health can be impacted the same as anyone else's.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. It encompasses your mind, which includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The brain is a very fascinating and complex part of the body. Therefore, it needs to be cared for just as much as any other part of the body.
Mental health challenges can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more. The brain is something that continues to be studied and therefore reveals new parts of the mind of humans.
Mental Health Awareness Facts
The following mental health awareness facts are provided by NAMI:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences a serious mental illness each year, and less than two-thirds receive treatment.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
1 in 6 U.S. youth experiences a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
65% of Americans are concerned about the stigma around mental illness.
The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
What is "More Than Enough" Mental Health Awareness?
The "More Than Enough" campaign was developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The message behind the "More Than Enough" campaign is that even if all a person did today was wake up, that would be more than enough.
Many people struggle with self-worth, which can stem from feeling like they aren't doing enough in their life or they feel they aren't enough for themselves and this world. NAMI's mission is to combat this train of thinking during the 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to NAMI, "It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability."
How to Combat Mental Health Challenges
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are a few ways to combat those challenges. Some may need an official diagnosis, however, the following ideas can help in addition to other treatment options.
Therapy
One of the best ways to combat mental health challenges is to seek therapy. It is a therapist's job to help you unravel your mind and dig into the traumas or experiences you have faced that have created mental health challenges in you today. Not all therapists specialize in the same mental health challenges. Therefore, it is important that you partner with a therapist that specializes in the challenges specific to you.
As a therapist myself, I specialize in mental health in mothers, anxiety, and individuals experiencing grief. Contact me to schedule your free consultation and let's make a plan to get your mental health on a healthy track.
Group Support
Finding a group of people that can relate to the way you feel can be a huge comfort for those struggling with mental health challenges. Join a group in your community or find a virtual group you can connect with. Share your experiences and learn from others how they are finding ways to cope with their challenges.
Journal
Journaling is a great way to help get things off of your mind. Sometimes, all it takes is letting off steam to help you feel some relief. Get a journal, set up a space in your home that invites you to journal, and make it part of your daily routine. You don't have to write a novel each day; simply write what you are feeling and let it expand from there.
Medication
Medication is a helpful resource for those struggling with mental health. Not everyone wants to use medications and that is okay. The important thing is knowing all of your options and talking to your doctor about the best course of action for you.
Your Mental Health is Important: You Are More Than Enough
Don't let previous decades of an uneducated society determine how you handle your mental health challenges today. Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing education and resources that will help now and for generations to come.
Mental health isn't something to ignore; it is just as important as your physical health. Start on your mental health journey now by implementing one or more of the ideas above. Schedule your free consultation with me to understand the best course of action for you.
Your mental health is important. You are enough. Don't forget that you are worth more than you may think of yourself. Your brain has a crazy way of tricking you into believing otherwise; don't fall for it.