Attention: Mental Health and Self-Care are related!

May is here, which means we are in the heart of the Spring Season. The month of May encompasses several themes, one of which is Mental Health Awareness Month. As a result of our daily transactions, we tend to experience burnout, and that comes from all types of professions affecting people from all walks of life. However, Mental Health Awareness Month is a perfect time to focus on our own mental health and wellness.

Self-care is essential for mental health and overall well-being. I am encouraged to see more and more people prioritizing their mental health just as they would their physical health. We have seen professional athletes, actors and actresses, and other high-profile public figures putting their jobs on hold to put their mental health first. This is such a healthy and important step because by raising awareness and acceptance of mental health, we not only empower ourselves but also help remove stigma, enforce the message that it is okay not to be alright, and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

• When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves; you become more resilient, and it makes it easier to find ways to manage life stressors in a healthy and positive way. There were several people in the Bible who struggled with their mental health:
• Elijah, who Reached Burn-Out (1 Kings 19)
• Job, who Lost Everything (Job 1-42)
• Jonah, who Wanted His Life to End (Jonah 4)
• King Saul's disturbed behavior, taken as a whole, indicates that he was afflicted by some kind of a mental disorder (1 Samuel 18-24)

Here are just a few suggested strategies that you can use to maintain positive mental health. The key is to try them and see what works for you. Then, put them into practice regularly.

• Enjoy the awesomeness of nature: Research indicates that being immersed in nature can help with mild depression and anxiety symptoms. For example, just going for a walk or a hike in a natural setting can help you manage these depression and anxiety symptoms. Consider setting a reminder for yourself to get up and get out! This will help you stick to your plan to get some fresh air and will also help you maintain positive mental health throughout your day.
• Connect with family or friends: This is another great way to reduce stress and even improve mental health. We are social beings and thrive on the connection, support, love, and belonging that friends, family, and our communities bring to us. Studies show that people who feel connected to others are less likely to feel anxiety or sadness and often feel increased happiness.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation, can help manage stress and anxiety. Making time for mindful techniques, even just a few minutes at the end or beginning of your day, can make a big difference.
• Extracurriculars: Join a book club, take a hobby-related class, or enjoy live music with others.
• Spend time with your pets: Owning a pet can help reduce stress and boost endorphins. Pet owners may also socialize and connect with other pet owners or be outside more often—both great ways to improve or maintain positive mental health.
• Volunteer: Helping others and participating in community organizations can also be a positive boost. Many community organizations welcome volunteers.
• Sleep: Getting enough sleep is another critical aspect of maintaining positive mental health. Try to sleep for however long you need to feel rested and recharged during the day.
• Join a support group: Connect with others who can share strategies for overcoming challenging times.
• Eat right: Food can affect our mood. Cut back on processed and sugary foods.
• Exercise: Spend time each day walking, running, biking, or doing whatever you can do to move your body.
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol and other substance use: Limiting the use of substances will improve your health and mental health.
• Practice self-gratitude: Being grateful for yourself, what you have, and the life around you can promote positive thinking.
• Pray, Pray, Pray!

Focusing on self-care is important because we play a part in each other’s mental wellness. It’s up to each of us to be a lifeline, sharing in a commitment to care for ourselves and those around us. However, you cannot be of help to others if you are not taking good care of your own mental health. Think of it like the safety instructions we receive on an airplane. We are told to put on our own oxygen masks first before we can be of help to others. The same philosophy applies to taking care of our own needs, including mental health needs, before being able to be fully present and supportive of others in our lives.

When it comes to mental wellness, small actions can have a big impact. During Mental Health Awareness Month, do something kind for others: hold the door open for someone; give a compliment; pay someone else’s kindness forward. See how these small acts boost your mental health and have the added bonus of likely making a positive impact on others.

More importantly, check in on loved ones and ask them about how they’re doing. Talk to your kids about their mental health. We know that 1 in 5 kids are experiencing behavioral health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which was further exacerbated during the pandemic. If you notice that your children are struggling, reach out for help. Getting help during the early stages of mental illness, or at the first signs of mild behavioral health symptoms, can help prevent those symptoms from developing into more severe conditions. In addition, getting help for yourself or your children could help your children develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is necessary for you to be able to take care of others and lead a fulfilling life. By encouraging others to seek help, helping others access help, or simply being there for someone when they need us, we instill hope in ourselves and those around us.

So, make self-care a priority this May and beyond. Spread positivity. Be hopeful. Practice patience, kindness, and empathy toward others. It may just make a life-changing difference.

Treatment Resources

FindTreatment.gov
A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24-hour, toll-free, confidential support for people in distress. Prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

SAMHSA's National Helpline
This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referrals and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U)