May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a great time to check on your loved ones and prioritize your well-being. Everyone knows what mental health is and the disorders that may accompany it, but does everyone know the impact or how to face it? May is a crucial time to educate yourself and make mental health a priority.
It is estimated that around 970 million people globally deal with mental illness and disorders. It is crucial to reach out if you are struggling and never feel ashamed for needing help. It is essential to know that you are not alone; millions of people reach out for support, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether this be through medication, therapy, or even reaching out to a trusted friend, taking the first step to improving your mental health can make a huge difference. May is also a time to be kind, not only to others, but to ourselves. We often forget the importance of taking care of ourselves while focusing on helping others. Things like self-care, getting enough rest, and allowing ourselves to feel how we genuinely feel without judgment are all essential parts of mental wellness. However, helping a family member or friend is also important. If you notice someone is struggling, something as simple as letting them know you care for them or listening to them when they need it can make a huge difference and give them a support system. Another amazing step to take is getting involved in your community or volunteering in programs that help educate or support those suffering from mental illness. When we all work together to be supportive, we make it easier for people to talk about their mental health and get the help they need.
In the end, the more we talk about mental health, the more we understand it, and the more we realize it is okay to not be okay. Awareness is the first step towards change, and change starts with us.