Mental Health Awareness Month
by Anna Valverde
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month was started in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), which was then known as the National Association for Mental Health. The purpose was to increase understanding, decrease stereotypes, and help educate on how depression and other mental health issues may impact people.
Whether you’re struggling with mental health challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply aiming to maintain a balanced outlook, here are some suggestions to help you make the most out of this month.
1. Schedule a Mental Health Check-Up: A mental health check-up can identify early signs of anxiety, depression, or other concerns. Make an appointment with a therapist or psychologist to discuss more.
2. Create a Self-Care Routine: Just like habits such as eating well and exercising, there are certain habits that can help preserve mental health too. Once you find the activities that seem to bring you positive benefits, you can incorporate them into your regular routine.
3. Practice Guided Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It is a form of meditation that is often used to reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and enhance overall well-being.
4. Setting Boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries includes being assertive with others, communicating your wants and needs clearly, and being consistent. By developing self-awareness around your mental and emotional limits you are enforcing boundaries which will enhance your mental health.
5. Volunteer/Get certified: Spreading kindness and making a positive impact on those around you contribute to your mental wellbeing by providing a sense of purpose.
References:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Learn more about how to get certified.
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/our-work/mental-health-first-aid/
About the Author:
Anna Valverde has always had a passion for fitness and wellness. She received her bachelor’s in physical education with an emphasis in teacher education at Chico State University and has been in the fitness/wellness industry since 2002. In addition to fitness and wellness, her pride and joy are her two young boys. They are 5 and 7 and keep her on her toes. Her weekends are filled with the boys playing baseball, football and visits to the Oakland zoo!