Ways to care for yours and others’ mental health during the month of May
Beginning in 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health month. The month’s purpose is not only to raise awareness for the importance of mental wellbeing, but also to advocate for mental hygiene and wellness practices. In light of recent events, it's especially important to acknowledge mental wellness. When the media is a constant shower of bad news and most people have been prevented from seeing their loved ones for over a year now, it's easier than ever for mental health to decline. As we emerge from the pandemic it’s beneficial to learn new ways to care for ourselves, so we can be better people when the world returns to some semblance of normalcy. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in many ways the two are not separate at all. Ignoring one’s mental issues can deeply negatively impact the body in insomnia, shortened lifespan, and overall lower physical health. Thus, it becomes salient to know just exactly how to care for one’s mental health.
Know that you are not alone.
As the website for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) articulates, “now more than ever we need to find ways to stay connected with our community. No one should feel alone or without the information, support, and help they need.” While “you are not alone” may be an overused statement, especially given last year, it is undoubtedly true. If you’re feeling tired or like you need help, it's always okay to ask a friend or family member for some time to talk. If that’s not an option, there’s also many other resources available. You can call the NAMI hotline at 800-950-NAMI, or text NAMI to 741741 in an emergency. For more resources and help visit the NAMI website or adjacent websites. Remember, it's always okay to ask for help.
Reach out
Even if you’re doing okay, make sure to check in on friends, family, and loved ones. It’s always better to check to be sure. It can be as simple as a text asking how they’re doing or just reaching out to hang out. Simple communications can be invaluable when a person is in a dark place.
Assess your own wellbeing
Make sure to check in with yourself too. The website for the California Mental Health Movement has a resource center for activities to do during May. A lot of them are simple and short. Though it might seem unnecessary at first, you never know how valuable helping yourself can be.
Share
All previous mentioned websites have downloadable resources for social media or to share yourself. If you don’t find a use for the resources, you never know what could save someone else.
As finals week approaches, it’s easy to get tunnel vision. To get swamped by life problems and to avoid dealing with deeper issues. However, your wellbeing is always more important than anything you might have going on. Remember to take care of yourself and others. A good thing to think about when things get difficult is an excerpt from an article by Jason Pargin; “This is a good standard to follow. The average person lives to be about 77 years old. So if you're less than 38 and have more than half of your life left, the odds are that, for instance, the funniest joke you'll ever hear in your life is one you haven't heard yet. It's just statistics. Odds are you also haven't yet started your favorite hobby, had your best weekend, eaten your best meal, started the best job you'll ever have, read the best book, seen the best movie or played the coolest video game.”