May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time for us to focus on our mental well-being. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 57.8 million, or 1 in 5 adults, in the US live with a mental illness. Additionally, 1 in 6 youth between the ages of 6 and 17 have a mental health disorder.

Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, there is still a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental health, which prevents people from seeking help when they need it. Raising awareness and removing stigma can help to reduce this barrier and make it easier for people to get support. In this post, we will explore the history of mental health, tips for taking care of your mental health, and resources to use if you want to learn more or are struggling with your mental health.

History of Mental Health

Throughout history, mental illness has been viewed and treated in a variety of ways. In ancient times, it was believed that mental illness was caused by supernatural forces, such as possession by demons or curses from the gods. These beliefs led to treatments that were often inhumane and cruel, such as exorcisms or trepanning (a surgical procedure that involves drilling a hole in the skull to release evil spirits).

It wasn't until the 19th century that mental illness began to be viewed as a medical condition that could be treated with compassion and understanding. In fact, the first Mental Health Awareness Week was celebrated in 1949, and the National Institute of Mental Health was established in 1955. This shift in thinking was largely due to the work of early psychiatrists, such as Philippe Pinel and William Tuke, who advocated for more humane treatment of people with mental illness.

Despite these advances, there is still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental illness today, especially with the poor portrayal of these illnesses in the media. Many people are reluctant to seek help for fear of being judged or labeled as "crazy." This stigma can be especially damaging for people of color and members of other marginalized communities, who may face additional barriers to accessing mental health care. It's important to continue raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding it so that people are more open to receiving care.

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. It involves taking steps to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Some tips for reducing stress include… 

1. Getting enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for mental health, and getting enough of it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
2. Exercising regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Whether you go to the gym, jump rope, or take a relaxing walk, exercising can release endorphins (which make you feel good) and improve your mental health.
3. Practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
4. Connecting with others. Social support is important for mental health. Make time to connect with friends and family, join a support group, or talk to a therapist.
5. Taking breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and reduce stress. Take a walk, read a book, or do something else that you enjoy.

These are steps anyone can take to help reduce or improve their mental well-being. Still, it is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness to learn methods for managing symptoms, especially in cases where there is no cure, such as dissociative identity disorder, OCD, or bipolar disorder.

Resources for Mental Health

If you are struggling with your mental health, it's important to seek help. Here are some resources that you can use:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - NAMI is a national organization that provides support and resources for people with mental illness and their families. They offer a helpline, support groups, and educational resources.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - NIMH is a government organization that conducts research on mental health and provides information and resources for people with mental illness. They offer information on mental health disorders, treatments, and clinical trials. 
• Mental Health America - Mental Health America is a national organization that provides information, resources, and support for people with mental illness. They offer a screening tool to help you assess your mental health, as well as information on mental health disorders and treatments.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are resources available to help you, and you don't have to go through this alone. Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our mental well-being. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and help is available.