What is Mental Health Awareness Month: History and Resources
The stigma around mental health has been up and down recently. In previous generations, you simply didn't talk about any mental health challenges. Part of this was because people learned to "just suck it up" and keep moving forward (which is the worst thing you can do). Additionally, people didn't know what they were experiencing when they felt depressed, anxious, or any other issue. Now, we honor May as the official mental health awareness month.
The important part of mental health awareness is understanding that everyone needs help with their mental health just as much as their physical health. You can't have one without the other. If people spent as much time and money on their mental health as they did worrying about the size of their clothes or the bulk of their muscles, the world might be a little better off.
Find out what mental health awareness month is, its history, and resources so that you can be better equipped when you need help with your mental health. A strong mind is a powerful mind, which leads to living life with your blinders off.
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental health awareness month is more than just acknowledging that humans have brains and feelings. The two are connected, yes. However, there is much more to this puzzle than simply these two pieces. When the month of May honors mental health awareness, it is actively fighting against the mental health stigma and opens the doors for those that may need help to get access to the resources they may need.
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in the United States in 1949. Its main goal was to bring awareness of the importance of mental health in Americans. It is also used to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Even though the awareness month has been occurring for decades, mental health still has a stigma around it.
Mental Health Awareness Resources
Review the following mental health awareness resources that are available to those struggling. Keep them handy just in case you or someone you know needs help.
Therapy
Therapy is one of the best ways to combat mental health challenges. Unfortunately, therapy has been associated in a negative light in recent years. Fortunately, many people are finding relief with therapists for a variety of challenges they are facing.
As a mental health therapist, I specialize in assisting mothers through prenatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, and more. In addition, I help those struggling with grief and parenting. If you or someone you know needs therapy support and guidance, schedule a free consultation with me now. Together, we can create a plan of action to get you on the right track for better mental health.
Group Support
Group support has proven to be beneficial to those struggling with their mental health. One of the things about mental health awareness is showing that you are not alone in your suffering. Many people feel they are the only ones struggling. When you join a group of others who feel the same way you do, this group support can help you heal and see things from a new perspective. You can find a support group in your area or join a virtual group online.
Church Organizations
Church organizations offer free counseling often to people in their congregation or to those in their community. These organizations generally come with a religious aspect. This means they usually believe in incorporating prayer and/or worship as part of their counseling program. If this is okay with you, seek out churches in your area and inquire about the counseling or groups available for you to join for your mental health.
Medications
Medications are part of the resources to help with mental health. Some medications can be life-changing and can help you tackle your mental health. The important thing about medications and mental health is that you have to have a plan with your doctor and follow the directions for taking it precisely. Any deviations from the way you are supposed to take the medication can have a negative impact.
In-patient Placement
In-patient placement is checking yourself into a facility with medical professionals who can help you with your mental health challenges. In these facilities, your mental health is of the utmost importance. While you are free to come and go as you please in many of these facilities, it is crucial that you follow your mental health plan. This will ensure the plan is working and that you are getting better.
Mental Health Awareness Month is for Everyone
Mental health is not something that ever goes away. You will need to continue to work at having a positive mental health. That is why mental health awareness month comes each year in May. This is a time to check in with yourself, celebrate the wins you have experienced in your mental health, and embrace any resources or help that you might need.
The way to end the stigma about mental health is by talking about it to your friends and family. There is no shame in admitting you need help or that you are receiving help. Just as you would show off your exercise goals on your social media accounts, you can do the same by showing off your mental health journey as well so that others feel inspired to take care of themselves, too.
If you are ready to experience what it means to have a positive mental health, book a call with me today. Let's create a unique plan that benefits your mental health and improves your quality of life. As a therapist, it is my passion to help others come out of the fog that is caused by dizzying thoughts, emotions, and feelings that cloud the brain.