May 2023 is Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2023 is Mental Health Awareness Month
This is a time to bring attention to mental health issues that many of us face
May 2023 is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this is a great time to learn more about mental health, or to share stories about your own mental health journey to help raise awareness for the mental health community.
Although 1 in 5 Americans suffers from a mental health condition, there is still stigma in society concerning mental health. This is why each May we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, so that mental health issues can be brought to the forefront in society, and we can help to end the stigma and ignorance that exists.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
This year, NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the More Than Enough campaign!
It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.
If you have a mental health condition, it doesn’t make you weak, or less of a person. You are more than enough, just as you are. Although you may not have a ‘normal’ life experience in some ways, you deserve to be treated with the same kindness and respect as anyone else. You are worthy of love, happiness and health.
Those of us with mental health conditions have good days and bad days, just like anyone else. Some days, our symptoms will feel crippling. Other days, we may be symptom free and happy. There are many factors in life that effect our mental health.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all explanation of how mental health effects us throughout our lifetimes. Sometimes we will feel mentally well, and other times we will face challenges. These challenges can come in the form of mental health symptoms that occur at seemingly random, or they can be brought about by life stressors.
It is important to be kind to others, and understanding that at times those of us with mental health issues will have limitations. If you want to work on your own mental health, or to help someone in your life with a mental health condition, it can help to start by educating yourself about mental health.
There are many resources available to help you learn about mental health from various mental health organizations worldwide.
Here is a list of mental health resources from Mental Health First Aid. These resources can assist you if you are having mental health issues yourself, or if you know someone else who is struggling. You can read through some of this information to learn more about mental health issues that many people face.
I write regularly about mental health issues such as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and more on my blog, www.millenialmom.net. You can check back regularly for updated information about coping with mental health disorders.
Have a great weekend,
Nicole Dake