May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a great time to spread awareness, educate ourselves, advocate for those who are suffering and share resources. Gone are the times when mental health was something that people didn’t talk about. This month and every month, we have the opportunity to break the stigma of mental illness and talk more openly about mental health.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health website, the message for this year’s event is “Together for Mental Health.” Because of the growing number of people experiencing mental health symptoms, it is important to join together to advocate for improving our nation’s mental health system.

“Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families,” reads the post. “Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Mental health plays a large role in our overall well-being. “When you’re mentally healthy, you are able to enjoy your life and the people in it, feel good about yourself, keep up good relationships, and deal with stress. It’s normal for your mental health to shift over time – we all face difficult situations in our lives. Creating positive habits is a great way to support your mental health when you’re doing well and helps you build skills to use if you do face symptoms of a mental health condition,” reads the Mental Health America website.

So how can we increase and maintain good mental health? According to MHA, making good choices about food and nutrition, regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, building our coping skills, having a positive support system of family members and friends and practicing stress management can help.

For more information about mental health and finding a suitable therapist, check out PG Cares, Wasatch Behavioral Health, NAMI on Facebook and http://mentalhealth.gov.

Like a friend of mine recently posted on social media, “It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Please check in on your friends and family who are struggling. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them. And for those struggling like me, please just know you’re not alone and you’re not a burden.”

Let’s use this month to get into the habits of speaking up, looking out, seeking help and taking care. Make mental health a priority for yourself and your loved ones.

Newsletter