Mental Health Awareness Month
By Andrea Schramm, MA, LPC
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and two of the most prominent organizations, Mental Health America and National Alliance on Mental Illness have wonderful tools for living with and sharing with each other the importance of our mental health.
This year Mental Health America is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with their “Tools 2 Thrive” downloadable toolkit which contains all kinds of wonderful tools for engaging organizationally, socially and individually with the importance of our mental health. Check out the Fast Facts and Tips for Success in this amazing toolkit! https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month-2021-toolkit-download.
National Alliance on Mental Illness has identified the month of May with the words “You Are Not Alone” and the opportunity for each of us to tell our own unique experience with mental health through video, picture or story. What a wonderful way for all of us to connect on the topic of our mental health and well-being! https://notalone.nami.org/
Remember we all come into this world with the best of intentions and do the best we know how. Our mental health is a fluid concept and mental illness is an experience many, if not all of us will have at some place across our life span. Treat each other and yourself with kindness and learn to accept yourself and others where we are. We are all on a journey through life and all our roads are different and unique to each of us. Practice keeping curiosity in your mind for times when your own thoughts and feelings and the actions of others are challenging. Consider exploring the tools provided above as an investment of your time and attention on the subject of your mental health and the mental health of those you know and love. If you think you need support for your mental health, reach out to your primary care physician, counseling services or a trusted friend or family member for support. If you are experiencing suicidal ideations or feeling worthless, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
