May 1, 2023
By Ava Gonzalez
Staff Writer
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a time to support people in recovery and work to destigmatize ideas behind mental illness. It is important because 49.5% of adolescents have struggled with a mental disorder at some point in their lives. This number increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, as they experienced hopelessness, instability and isolation. Therefore, this month it is our job to show our support and solidarity
What many do not realize is that mental health often correlates to physical health. Illnesses like addictive behaviors, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia can make everyday life difficult for those affected. Their brain, heart, vital signs and more can be impacted.
A popular hashtag you can use this month is #Breakthestigma and #Together4MH. You can even join the Bring Change to Mind Club, which is run by guidance counselor Mrs. Stacy, where students work to break stereotypes, support others and brainstorm how to make our school more accepting, inclusive and understanding.
To individually participate this month, you can educate yourself on mental health and learn about different disorders without bias or preconceived opinions. You can even focus on your own self-care. Some coping skills to handle difficult situations can be taking a bath, going for a walk, listening to music, going shopping, hanging out with friends, reading a book and so much more. It really is individualized and learning what works for you can help clear your mind and calm you down during stressful times. If you find that these strategies do not work for you, you can start therapy or reach out to someone to whom you can talk.
People can also educate themselves on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which focuses on challenging unhelpful behaviors by being more mindful of one’s thinking. Similarly, Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps people connect with and understand how their emotions may contribute to behaviors and how to change this cycle. In learning these skills, one can improve their mental health and become more aware of the options available to them and others.
Raising awareness can help those struggling not to feel alone, as they are able to connect with others who can inspire them with their own journeys and give tips on how to improve mental health and gain the confidence to ask for help when needed.
Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been observed since May 1949, is the ideal time to offer support to a friend, donate to a mental health nonprofit, and confront your own stigmas. You can even start with the simple action of wearing the color green to let others know you believe in the mission of Mental Health Awareness Month.
This month is so important because by educating people on mental health, we can reduce the risk of people not knowing how or where to reach out for help. This can change the course of one’s recovery, as they are able to begin treatment or take steps toward recovery before falling too deep.
Raising awareness can help those struggling not to feel alone, as they are able to connect with others who can inspire them with their own journeys and give tips on how to improve mental health and gain the confidence to ask for help when needed. Learning what kind of help is out there and what it entails can transform one’s life.
It is important to remember that everyone’s mental health journey is different. The path is not linear and shaming people for struggling does more harm than good. Another societal idea that can be confronted is that often people are looked down upon for actively struggling. However, through social media, people are praised for recovering and talking about experiences, but only when it is in the past tense. Sadly, there are times when one truly needs help, and they are treated as an outcast and avoided.
By bringing awareness to mental health, society can be more accepting and understanding. This can encourage people to be more vocal about their experiences. Another important idea to bring attention to is that not every mental illness is the same. Every person is different, can have different symptoms and presents them differently. Just because someone seems happy does not mean they are not struggling. Making comments that someone cannot possibly have a particular disorder because they do not look or act a certain way can be extremely damaging, triggering and potentially pushing people deeper into a detrimental mindset believing they are not sick enough to ask for or receive help.
It is also worth noting that certain personality types or character traits–such as those who are creative, dramatic, introverts, overachievers and perfectionists–can be linked to certain mental illnesses. This may not be the case for everyone, but it is common. This can be a reminder to never guess someone’s mental state just because they seem to be achieving.
Mental health is such an important subject to raise awareness about, as so many people struggle, whether it be openly or in secret. As a society, we must work not to judge or make assumptions. We can also lend an ear to someone in need, which can be life-changing for everyone involved. So, if you have the opportunity to help someone, take it. And if you need to take the time to work on yourself, this is the perfect month to put in the hard work, develop that self-awareness and welcome the support that is offered to you.
