March marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This event serves as an important reminder that mental health struggles are real, but that support is available and healing is possible. By taking March to focus on raising mental health awareness, we can work to reduce stigma and promote access to resources for treatment and support.
This year’s theme, “Turning Awareness into Action,” focuses on taking steps beyond simply recognizing mental health by encouraging open conversations, advocating for mental health support, and increasing public understanding of mental health conditions. By joining the conversation, and prioritizing your mental health and wellness, you can create a lasting impact on your community surrounding mental health awareness.
Starting Meaningful Conversations About Mental Health
By creating a safe space for talking about mental health concerns and encouraging open and honest conversations, we can help work toward breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. Here are some tips for starting the conversation:
- Create a safe space for discussion. Emphasize that your space is confidential and that there is no pressure for anyone to share anything that may make them uncomfortable.
- Set the tone. Introduce the topic of discussion openly by emphasizing the importance of communication and respecting personal boundaries.
- Be an active listener. Maintain eye contact with the person you’re speaking to and show interest through body language and reflective responses. Ask open-ended questions, such as “How are you feeling about this situation?” or “Can you tell me more about that?”
- Validate feelings. Acknowledge the other person’s experiences and let them know that their feelings are valid.
- Follow up. Check in with your friends and loved ones after the discussion and offer continued support.
Getting Involved
Volunteering and advocating for mental wellness in your community is one of the best ways to get involved and turn awareness into action, true to this month’s theme. There are a variety of ways you can get involved in your community, according to your strengths and lifestyle. One of the best ways to get involved is to educate yourself on mental health conditions and how you can support friends and loved ones. Another great way to get involved is to share your personal experiences surrounding mental health with others and advocate for change in local events and activities.
Prioritizing Self-Care
When talking about Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember your own mental health as well. Engaging in self-care is important for improving your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Self-care can encompass all areas of your life and there are a few simple activities you can try to prioritize your self-care in your daily routine:
- Physical self-care: Exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep every night
- Mental self-care: Practicing meditation and mindfulness, journaling, and re-connecting with old hobbies or trying new ones
- Emotional self-care: Expressing gratitude daily, seeking support when necessary, and being open and communicative about your feelings with friends and loved ones
- Social self-care: Setting clear boundaries for yourself and others, and spending time with friends and loves ones
- Spiritual self-care: Engaging and connecting with nature
Small actions within your community can make a lasting impact, beyond that of the month of March. Supporting friends and family through open conversations, active listening, and frequent check-ins can make all the difference in reducing the stigma around mental health and breaking down barriers to promote for awareness. Getting involved in your community on any level can also help promote awareness surrounding mental wellness.
Finally, emphasizing your own mental, physical, and emotional wellness is the best way to get involved in Mental Health Awareness month this year. Go a step further this year and turn awareness into action this March.
If you’re facing mental health challenges and need support, call Beachside Rehab at 866-349-1770 to speak with our trained admissions counselors. Prioritize your well-being and take the first step toward healing today.