A Wrap-Up of Mental Health Awareness Month
The month of May is designated as ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’ and organisations the world over come together to spread awareness and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
Health, according to the World Health Organization, is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behaviour or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. What one must remember is that having a mental health disorder never means that you are lesser than, broken or irreparable. Being diagnosed with a mental illness is not your fault, and there is always someone to help you and guide you to a more balanced place.
Although mental illnesses have different symptoms and are displayed differently, they can impact all areas of life: personal, professional, familial. Being aware of mental illnesses and disorders can help you be more understanding and caring towards not just yourself, but also those around you. Most importantly, you can help contribute towards destigmatising mental health and seeking help from mental health professionals.
Here are some tips on how you can take care of your mental health and also help others who require a helping hand:
- Communication is Key
Talking to your friends, family and loved ones can make a world of a difference to your mental well-being. Keeping channels of communication open helps create solid bonds and you’ll always know that you can depend on your confidants. - Get a Breath of Fresh Air
Walking, exercising, dancing, moving the body in general is great for mental health. Regular exercise can help boost self-esteem and can also guarantee quality sleep and improved concentration. - Eat Well, Be Well
A healthy and nutritious diet ensures that your body can get all it requires to function optimally. A healthy body is half the battle won towards a healthy mind. - Take a Break
We’re all too familiar with the term ‘burnout’, but often still have to find the courage to prevent it. Take a mini-break from identified stressors, deactivate social media and utilise that time to engage with a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. - Seek Help
No one has ever become the smaller person by asking for support. We aren’t superhumans and cannot handle everything under the sun. When you feel like things are becoming a bit too much, share with friends and family. They may be able to lend a shoulder to lean on, and may have practical advice to share. - Care for Others
In extending a helping hand to others, we sometimes find solutions for ourselves. Keep an eye open for changes in behaviour and personality and extend the sympathy and empathy that you would like to receive if you were in a similar situation.
Always remember- You’re not alone. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.
