Mental Health Awareness Month 101
The world is better with you in it.
If it’s hard to believe that today? Remember: You Matter. Reach Out.
2-1-1 for Mental Health Resources
9-8-8 for Suicide or Self-Harm Hotline.
Please seek out immediate medical attention at an ER if you are in imminent risk.
May 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023 is Mental Health Awareness Month. Every year. I don’t value this day JUST because I am a therapist or it’s some social media obligation to post about it.
Why do I post about it? I believe in it. I have and still live with the realities of mental health myself. I have lost my only brother to suicide in 2018. I sit with people every day and week and hear the level of loneliness humans are feeling.
“And just as important? I have seen what asking for help can to prolong a life that would have been shorter, enhance a life that wanted or needed something more, highlight the importance of connection where people have felt and been lost, and more.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to:
Slow down and recognize the impact mental health has on ourselves, loved ones, communities and world.
Share resources.
Utilize mindful media and share education about mental health.
Connect
My emo 12-year-old self or my perpetually independent 20-year-old self would never believe I’d say the phrase, “People need people.” But we do. And not the romanticizing toxic dynamics on social media platforms or codependence. I mean: Connection.
““People need people” means we do better with and around others. And I do believe not possible to live and thrive in a silo for too long. We aren’t meant to do this whole “life thing” alone. ”
I believe in my core Mental Health Awareness Month is about a reminder to get help, reach out, remember you matter. And on a simpler note: remember to connect. Anyway you know how. Reading this article or talking to someone is a great start.
Ways to Engage with Mental Health Awareness Month:
Immediate risk? Go to an ER. Don’t wait. Get help now.
Thinking everyone is better off with you? REACH OUT: Dial 9-8-8.
Needing resources for mental health support? Dial 2-1-1.
Make the call to get help. Everyone’s “Help” looks different.
Show gratitude to someone who helped (May 12 is Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day).
Share your story, whatever you’re comfortable sharing.
Look up other ways people celebrate, share and educate.
And more…
Thank you for staying with us, thank you for helping others, and I can’t wait to connect. Share ways you have celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month.
As always: Evolve and heal on, my friends.
Anne
