May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a good time to talk about what mental health awareness really means and how to participate.
What is mental health awareness?
Mental health awareness is the process of understanding, accepting and promoting a positive image of mental health.
Being aware of mental health can prevent people from suffering in silence and encourage them to seek help.
It also supports those who have experienced mental illness so they feel empowered to talk about their experiences and encourages others to consider how they can support their friends and family members who are experiencing mental distress.
What is the importance of mental health awareness?
Mental health awareness helps people learn how they can better support others who may be suffering in silence.
It helps people understand that mental illness is just like any other illness. It is not something to be ashamed of or something to hide.
The more people are aware the more they understand that mental health challenges are not character flaws.
What can you do to develop mental health awareness?
There are lots of ways you can develop your own awareness. You can,
Talk openly about mental health issues with friends and family
Read about different disorders and treatments
Learn about the signs and symptoms associated with different disorders
Take a course on mental health issues
The following are 8 ways one can participate in mental health awareness month, as mentioned by Betterhelp:
Share your story
Educate Yourself on Mental Health and Wellness
Talk to A Therapist
Focus On Your Self-Care
Support those around you
Download the free toolkit from Mental Health America
Address any Stigmas You Have
Have you heard the saying 'you can't pour from an empty cup'? You want to make sure your mental health is in good shape before you participate in Mental Health Month.
What is considered good mental health?
Good mental health means:
Feeling good about yourself and your life in general
Being able to get along with other people
Maintaining relationships
Being able to enjoy leisure activities
Being able to take part in society, for example by going to school or college or working.
Whichever aspect of mental health awareness you choose to take part in this month is completely up to you. Perhaps you'll share a story about your own experiences. Maybe you'll post a blog about what mental health awareness means to you. There really is no wrong way to bring light to these issues.
Check out the organizations selling t-shirts in the Campaign4ACause Shop if you would like to support a nonprofit organization that advocates for Mental Health. Purchasing a shirt will help move the mental health awareness mission forward while financially supporting organizations helping those in need.
Grab Your Shirt! Rock Your Shirt! Spread The Word!
Are you a nonprofit organization? Are you interested in launching a T-shirt fundraising campaign to raise awareness for your cause? Click here to learn more.
Comments