Mental health is essential for a person's overall health.
This month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, to celebrate recovery from mental illness and to help reduce the stigma so many experiences.
The green ribbon used to represent mental health is the international symbol for mental health awareness. This month, wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health. It can also be worn in memory of a loved one.
If you are concerned about your mental health, ask yourself these questions.
- Have I been getting quality sleep with regular bedtimes and getting up times?
- Have I been isolating myself from others at work, friends, or family?
- Do I have more worries or anxiety than usual? ...
- Have I lost interest in activities and pursuits that usually held my attention?
After honestly answering these questions, and is not doing ok, reach out for help. Finding the right therapist can take some time. Don’t wait to get on the road to mental wellness. Seek support as soon as possible.
This is also a good time to look at your boundaries. Do you often agree to things when you want to say no? Do you surround yourself with toxic people? Take a moment to prioritize your desires and values and hold those strong in your interpersonal relationships and throughout your life.
If you feel overwhelmed, consider taking a break. Perhaps you need a vacation from your surroundings. Maybe you need to take a few mental health days off from work or school. Make time to rest and rejuvenate so that you don’t slip into a rut.
Many people with mental health disorders feel isolated. They may think that no one understands them. They may have a diagnosis but be frustrated because their loved ones don’t really know what they’re going through.
If you’ve experienced mental health issues, consider sharing them in a safe environment. Even sharing a post on social media that expresses something that you’re struggling with could make someone else feel supported.
Sharing your story shows others that it’s possible to manage a mental health condition. It also encourages others to talk openly about their battles. The more awareness that we can raise during this month, the more we can influence our society to make mental health a priority.
Remember! Your Mental Health is a priority. Your happiness is an essential. Your self-care is a necessity.”