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Writer's pictureCrystal Childress Adkins
May 21, 20213 min read

Mental Health Awareness Month


May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year the theme has been Tools 2 Thrive with a focus on helping people find healthy ways to cope with stress. Even if you have not been diagnosed with a mental illness, it is very important to manage your mental health, including self-care, stress management, and seeking support if you need it. What does Self-Care mean?

Self-Care is not a list of things you ‘should’ be doing. I mean, a luxurious body treatment or an escape to the spa sounds great, but not if it feels like one more thing to add to your to do list.

Self-care is just another name for taking care of yourself, which is vital for your health and well-being. But more specifically, self-care means identifying and meeting your needs. Developing self-care that will nourish you depends on what is currently happening in your life and where you need to restore not only physically and mentally, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Self-care is unique to you. For example, if you do a lot of taking care of others, then self-care might mean carving out time to do something for yourself, like time alone or a nature walk. But if you work at home and spend a lot of time alone, self-care may be getting together with girlfriends for a mimosa brunch on Saturday.

But the outside is only half the battle. The second level of self care is internal – emotional, spiritual. Some people call this Soul-care. It goes deeper than just resting an relaxing.

Again, Soul-Care is unique to you. It could be as simple as slowing down a routine to make it a mindful ritual, like a hot shower or putting on your make up. Or Getting out into nature or meditation. What is Stress Management?

Stress management is an array of tools and techniques aimed at controlling a person's level of stress. You may have more tools at your disposal than you may think.

  • Reframing – This is a mental activity that involves looking at a stressor and explaining it (realistically and honestly) in a positive or neutral way.

  • Time Management – Identify where you can improve and use tools like To Do Lists to manage priorities.

  • Practice Gratitude – Both ‘spiritual gratitude’ as well as counting daily blessings have a big impact on stress. Studies have also shown that it’s helpful to keep up with gratitude when facing troubling emotions.

  • Practice Mindfulness – Try the ‘mindful pause’ before or during a stressful situation. (Take a deep 15 sec breathe and ask yourself a question, like how might I use one of my character strengths right now?)

  • Get enough sleep - Sleep is one of the primary building blocks for maintaining our physical and mental health. Protect your sleep when you’re feeling stressed. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try white noise or a sleep podcast.

Where can you find support?

If you or someone you love show signs of a mental health issue, a few options to try include counseling, meditation, and peer support groups. Here are a few other helpful support options:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

  • The Trevor Project (services for the LGBTQ community) - 1-866-488-7386

We all play a part in raising mental health awareness and decreasing stigma. To help raise mental health awareness, take time to educate yourself on a mental health topic, volunteer, or donate.






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