Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month provides a timely reminder that mental health care is essential. Those living with mental health issues are deserving of care, understanding, compassion, and pathways to hope, healing, recovery, and fulfillment.  Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as Mental Health Month in the United States. Many national organizations such as the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Mental Health America and other affiliates spotlight Mental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to stop the stigma associated with mental health disorders. https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month

Mental health is also important for our physical health and vice versa. A well balanced diet, a healthy sleep schedule, exercise, healthy digestive system, and hydration affect our mental health and our physical health. Studies have shown that individuals who have chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune disorders have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Our body and mind act as one unit and, therefore, it is important to care for both our emotional and mental states as well as our physical health.

Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins.

Activities that promote movement can be helpful, and you will increase the benefits by following some of the suggestions listed below.