Ten Things You Can Do For Mental Health Awareness Month
We are over halfway through May, which means we’re also over halfway through Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether you have a mental health diagnosis or not, this is a topic that should be taken as seriously as Breast Cancer Month (September) or Autism World Awareness Day (April 2). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans has a mental illness at some point in their life. Sixty percent or less of those people will get treatment. One reason they won’t get help is the stigma surrounding mental health in this country. This stigma must be overcome for people to get the healing they need. You, however, can help break the stigma and possibly save someone from suffering or even suicide.
Oh, but I’m just one person you are thinking. Agreed, but consider this. One in five people in this country experiences mental illness. Count off your friends, neighbors, children, spouse/partner and those around you. You are surrounded by people who may benefit from you being an advocate for them. It’s not that hard either. There are a handful of ways you can help.
Educate yourself on mental illness
To help you overcome your own stigmas and unwillingness to help or get help, go to websites like nami.org or mentalhealthamerica.net and educate yourself on mental health and how you can help or be helped.
Talk to someone who seems down
We all have bad days, but when someone is having a down week or month, talk to them. Many times, people won’t address their feelings of sadness or anxiety with others. They might think people will think they’re irrational and tell them to get over it.
You know what helps? You showing you care by talking with them. The key is to coax the other person to talk, and then you listen. They’re not seeking advice. They want someone to listen without judgment. You need to convince them to talk first.
Check on a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while
Most people won’t inform you when they are feeling down or anxious. Someone with a specific diagnosis may not tell you when they are experiencing symptoms. If you haven’t heard from them in a while, reach out. Make a phone call. Leave a message if they don’t answer. Text them or even stop by their house. It could make a substantial difference in their ability to heal. At the very least, it lets them know someone cares.
If you’re feeling down, reach out to someone
Likewise, if you are feeling down or stressed and haven’t wanted to be around people for a while, try your best to reach out to someone. You don’t have to talk long, just long enough to remind yourself that someone cares for you. No judgment if you can’t, but give it an earnest attempt.
Call your mother or your best friend or whoever you want that person to be. Make sure they are someone who makes you feel good about yourself. Don’t reach out to someone you know is critical of you.
Stop with the positivity culture
This may help you and it may help some people who are experiencing temporary depression or anxiety, but it’s not for everyone. Unless you know the person is into positivity culture, don’t go there. There are those that feel worse about themselves because they can’t or don’t feel capable of being that positive. For some people, a barefoot walk in the woods will never be all the medication they need.
Track symptoms
If you or someone you love has been feeling down, stressed, or you suspect yourself (or another person) of possibly needing mental health care track the symptoms. There are many ways to do this. You can journal, create a graph, or start a spreadsheet in which you document your symptoms daily. This way, you can present your symptoms to a professional and help them decide if and how you need care.
Above, I have included a picture of how I track my symptoms in a bullet journal, but you should find the way that works best for you. It should be simple enough you don’t find it a burden to track your symptoms.
See a Therapist
There is no good excuse to not see a therapist. No matter what your or their excuse is, a therapist may be the best thing for you. Talk therapy with or without medication might be necessary.
Maybe it’s something a loved one needs. Don’t talk them out of it. Encourage them to see a therapist.
Know when to break up with a therapist
If you or someone you know is uncomfortable with a therapist, consider a breakup. First, make sure you are breaking up with them for a legitimate reason. Read articles from legitimate sources, like Psychology Today, to determine if you need a breakup. Don’t let Cosmopolitan or some blogger with no medical background help you make this decision. If you decide a breakup is necessary, try finding a new therapist first.
Advocate for affordable quality mental health care
Besides stigma, another major reason people don’t obtain mental health care is a lack of affordable care. We can change this by becoming involved in the politics of mental health care. You don’t have to stand alone. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Be Vocal can show you ways to make a difference. Don’t let mental health care be unattainable.
Be compassionate
Mental Health is an important part of everyone’s ability to thrive. It’s difficult to function when your mind feels like your worst enemy. Whether it’s you or someone you know that is struggling, be compassionate. Those who are coping with the symptoms of poor mental health are already down. There’s no need to put them down more. Even if you can’t comprehend what they are experiencing, you can be kind.
If you are the one with a mental health diagnosis, be kind to yourself. I know it’s hard to do when you’re feeling down, but on your better days, remember not to beat yourself up for your bad days. Keep in mind you needed to cancel that girl’s night out or visit your sister’s house just to keep you sane and it’s OK. It is completely OK to take care of yourself.
There’s still time to do something that makes a difference in your or someone else’s life this Mental Health Awareness Month. You don’t need to do my entire list, but do try to do one or two things. Every little bit can make a difference in someone’s life, even if that someone is you.
