Welcome Spring and Fresh Air!
Hello, Everyone! Are you ready for spring weather? May, the fifth month of the year, is a great time to spend more time outside and breathe some fresh air, despite COVID19 regulations. Be careful and wear that mask and try not to assemble in one place. I do feel sorry for the folks out there suffering from allergies. Allergies are a real bummer, and I can relate. I have my own set of allergies.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Over the last several years, I have written several articles on this topic and will begin by recanting my mantra, “Every Journey Begins With One Step.”
This Year’s Theme: Together For Mental Health
With this said, Mental Health Awareness Month has a specific theme every year. For 2022, the theme is “Together For Mental Health.” According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), people need to bring their voices together to advocate for Mental Health and improve access to care. NAMI theorizes people will realize a more coherent shared vision of mental health. Then, people more easily find the appropriate support and quality of care needed to live healthy and fulfilling times for everyone.
The Significance of Mental Health Awareness Month
There are significant reasons for having Mental Health Awareness Month. From May 10 through May 16, Mental Health Week is the most critical week of May. During this week, people are encouraged to focus on getting people talking about mental health and reduce the stigma that prevents individuals from asking for assistance with our issues. One in four people in the world suffers from mental health problems.
The Role of Education in Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness Month exists to educate, first and foremost. People need to be better informed and knowledgeable about their mental health and the more significant mental health crisis.
Combating Stigma and Ensuring Equality
Part of educating and informing people about mental health ensures all Americans get the same opportunities equally and fairly. Mental health stigma refers to societal disapproval, or when a society places shame on people who live with mental health issues. Successfully combating stigma happens when all people reap the benefits of better overall physical and psychological health.
How to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month
Good question. Let’s proceed. Initially, reach out to your friends and relatives. In your own words, try to explain the issues. Be open to talking about your mental health concerns.
As individuals dealing with mental health concerns, remember that other people also have their own needs and may also require mental health treatment. Maybe one day, people can discuss mental health issues in conversation as quickly as physically.
My shortlist of recommendations (Remember the letters: RTPARB)
Respond positively, and offer support.
Try to steer people in a better course of action.
Provide suggestions that might benefit everyone.
Ask for the time off and visit your therapy team.
Request your therapist assess the troubling situation.
Be as mentally sharp as possible will create new solutions.
The Progress in Mental Health Awareness
Enjoy life to the fullest, and experience the positive impact on your body physically and mentally. Don’t be shy or afraid to talk with others about what is hurting you. Mental distress is not your doing and certainly not your fault. Don’t listen to anything otherwise because it is simply a misnomer.
Changing Perspectives on Mental Health
Mental health ‘recipients’ have come a long way. I still remember times when people with mental health conditions were outcasts. These folks were not only mistreated by their families and friends but also by the entire medical profession; situations have changed. Progressive reforms are serving to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
The Role of Language in Mental Health
More people, including the medical community, are altering their outlooks on ‘mental illness.’ This huge change in perspective is visible with new and exciting shifts in language, from disease to mental health or mental wellness. Long-distance is good, but you may need to go further in your excursions.
The Complexity of the Human Mind and Body
There is bound to be a ‘breakdown’ or two. Humans so meticulously put-together and well-oiled complex machines—the human mind and body need to work in harmony. Even with the extraordinary advancements in technology and science, this is not always possible. People get sick or just overwhelmed with life sometimes.
The Need for Cognitive Reserve
As neurologists refer to it, we could all benefit from additional ‘mental power’ or cognitive reserve. Until this happens, we need to take the best possible care of our minds and souls.
At this moment, May is here!
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
All of us here at Mental Health Affairs are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month to the fullest extent. Naturally, we all deal with mental health issues because, after all, we are human beings who need to do what we can to survive.
Join us as we spread the good word of recovery. Remember, this begins with one person and another and can spread quickly. Do our part, one person after another.
See you in the NewsBlogs and Newsletters.
Author Info:
Howard Diamond
Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.
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Great post! Thank you for sharing these valuable resources and information.
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