Embracing Wellness: Celebrating Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, promoting mental wellness, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health and to celebrate the resilience and strength of individuals who navigate their mental health journeys every day. As we embrace Mental Health Month, let’s explore why it’s essential to celebrate mental health and how we can support ourselves and others in prioritizing mental well-being.

Why Celebrate Mental Health Month?

• Raise Awareness. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of mental health. Despite significant progress in recent years, mental health stigma and misconceptions still exist, preventing many individuals from seeking help and support. By shining a spotlight on mental health throughout the month, we can help normalize conversations about mental illness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or discrimination.
• Acknowledge those Living with Mental Illness. It allows us to acknowledge the resilience and strength of individuals living with mental illness. Living with a mental health condition can be incredibly challenging, requiring courage, perseverance, and self-compassion. We can honor the strength of individuals who face their mental health struggles with grace and resilience, reminding them that they are not alone and that their experiences are valid and worthy of recognition.
• Promote Mental Wellness. It provides an opportunity to promote mental wellness and self-care practices. In our fast-paced and often stressful world, it’s essential to prioritize our mental well-being and take proactive steps to maintain our mental health. During May, we can encourage others to practice self-care, engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, and seek support when needed. By promoting mental wellness, we empower individuals, and ourselves, to take ownership of their mental health and make their well-being a priority.
• Highlight the Importance of Community. It allows us to highlight the importance of community support and connection. Social support plays a crucial role in mental health recovery and resilience, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and understanding. During May, we can encourage communities to come together to support one another, whether through peer support groups, community events, or acts of kindness and compassion. By fostering a sense of community and connection, we create a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Advocate for Systemic Change. It’s an opportunity to advocate for systemic change and greater access to mental health resources and services. Despite growing awareness about mental health, many individuals still face barriers to accessing quality mental health care, including lack of insurance coverage, limited availability of providers, and stigma. We can advocate for policies and initiatives which promote mental health equality, increase funding for mental health services, and expand access to care for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Debunking Common Myths About Mental Health

• Myth #1: Mental illness is rare.
  • Reality: Mental illness is more common than you might think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
• Myth #2: Mental illness is a sign of weakness.
  • Reality: Mental illness has nothing to do with weakness or character flaws. It is a medical condition that can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Just like physical illnesses, mental health conditions require proper treatment and support to manage effectively.
• Myth #3: People with mental illness are violent and dangerous.
  • Reality: Most people living with mental illness are not violent. In fact, individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. Media exaggerations and stereotypes worsen misunderstandings about mental illness, fueling stigma and discrimination.
• Myth #4: Mental health problems will go away on their own.
  • Reality: Mental health issues are not something you can simply “get over” or ignore. Without proper treatment and support, mental health conditions can worsen over time and have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is essential for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
• Myth #5: Children don’t experience mental health problems.
  • Reality: Mental health conditions can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Childhood mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are increasingly recognized and diagnosed. Early intervention and support are critical for addressing children’s mental health needs and promoting healthy development.
• Myth #6: Talking about mental health makes it worse.
  • Reality: Open and honest conversations about mental health can be beneficial. Sharing your experiences and feelings with trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can provide validation, support, and reassurance. Talking openly about mental health helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek help when needed.
• Myth #7: Only certain types of people experience mental illness.
  • Reality: Mental illness does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or any other demographic factor. Anyone can experience mental health issues, regardless of their background or circumstances. It’s essential to recognize that mental health conditions can affect anyone and to provide support and understanding to those who are struggling.
• Myth #8: Mental health treatment is always expensive.
  • Reality: While mental health treatment can be costly, there are often affordable options available, including therapy provided by community mental health centers, support groups, hotlines, and online resources. Many employers also offer mental health benefits as part of their health insurance plans, like Uprise Health’s EAP! Additionally, some therapists offer sliding-scale fees or discounted rates based on income.

Mental Health Month is a time to celebrate the importance of mental health, raise awareness, and promote mental wellness and resilience. We can debunk myths, break down stigma, honor the strength of individuals living with mental illness, promote self-care and community support, and advocate for systemic change. Together, let’s embrace Mental Health Month as an opportunity to prioritize mental well-being and create a world where everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive.

We are Here to Help.

As you reflect on your own mental health journey, take this opportunity to check out all the resources your Uprise Health EAP has to offer. We create a substantial number of educational materials covering a wide range of mental health topics. We also offer coaching, counseling, and CBT-based courses to help our members cope with mental health concerns and build wellbeing skills. Read more about how our mental health coaching and counseling can help.

Additional Resources

Aside from your EAP, here are a few other specific organizations that have valuable resources available:

• If you are suicidal, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• Crisis help line is available for people struggling with a crisis.
• SAMSHA’s disaster distress line provides crisis counseling and support to people that are distressed because of a natural or human-caused disaster.
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Mental Health America.gov
• WHO – Mental Health