May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This initiative was created with the goal of raising awareness about mental health issues, encouraging those who are struggling to get help, erasing stigma, and raising money for more resources. If you’ve never celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s not too late. You may find that it yields benefits for not only others but yourself as well.

As a society, we have made a lot of progress in terms of how people with mental illnesses are talked about and treated. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have a long way to go and a lot more work to do. Mental health struggles are a common issue for many Americans, and some struggle in silence, not aware that there is help available. Make the most of this month by recognizing the true importance of mental health resources and awareness.

Spread Awareness About Mental Health

You might not feel you really have a platform or a position in which you can share information about mental health. However, social media is a powerful thing. Even just posting a link to different resources on Twitter using the hashtag #mentalhealth or #mentalhealthawarenessmonth could reach someone who really needs it. It might even be what they need to push them toward seeking out the proper treatment.

Many people are encouraged by hearing the success stories of others. Perhaps you have struggled with your mental health in the past and have overcome this problem through treatment. Consider sharing your story with others, whether it be in person or through social media. This can not only offer hope to those that are struggling but can encourage them to seek out treatment as well.

Remember that you can make a difference by even just talking to your friends and family members about the topic of mental health. You don’t have to be an influencer or have a ton of followers on social media. This is an important conversation to engage in, and when you get it started with the people within your social group, it can expand and grow further.

Reach Out to Someone Who You Believe Is Struggling With Mental Health

Is there someone you know that you think could be struggling with their mental health? Maybe they have discussed their struggles with you before. Or maybe this is clear to you by how they have recently been presenting themselves or how they talk about themselves. They may be struggling silently and nobody knows about it.

So many people struggle in silence for far too long because they don’t believe anyone cares or that they can truly get better. Sometimes all it takes is one person reaching out and showing concern and compassion to make all the difference. If there is someone with mental health challenges in your life, let them know that you care about them and encourage them to seek out the proper treatment. Assure them that you will be there to support them along the way.

Talking about mental health can feel uncomfortable at times. You may worry that it will somehow impact the relationship that you have with someone or that they will become offended or defensive. Don’t let this hold you back. You reaching out could literally save this person’s life.

Make Sure to Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Maybe the person that you need to focus on during Mental Health Awareness Month this year is yourself. Everyone goes through ups and downs with their mental health. Maybe there was a time in your life when you thought you had reached a good place with your mental health, but now you no longer feel that way. This is nothing to be ashamed of and it doesn’t mean that whatever treatment you previously had has failed.

Rather, it just means that you may need to adjust your treatment plan and figure out something that will better fit your current needs and situation. If you’re currently struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician. They may recommend a prescription medication and/or therapy to provide you with relief.

There are also some things that you can do on your own on a daily basis to help achieve better mental health. Start with the basics by taking care of your physical health. This involves eating regular nutritious meals, staying properly hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep.

You’ll want to also make sure that you’re fitting in time for exercise on a daily basis, even if it is nothing major. It may be surprising to you how much better you may feel after even just 30 minutes of moving your body. Exercise helps to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones in the brain. They can help to relieve stress and boost your mood.

Mental health is so important and can really have a dramatic impact on your quality of life. As a society, we must continue to work toward spreading awareness and decreasing stigma. With the resources we have today, nobody should be struggling in silence because they don’t know or don’t believe that recovery is possible. In many cases, poor mental health can result in substance misuse. If this is your current situation, there is help available. Our team at The Kimberly Center can help you take your life back. Give us a call at (855) 452-3683 today, and a member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the programs we offer.