Mental Health Awareness Month: Practising Self-Care
As well as being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May also recognises Mental Health Awareness. The last year or so has been very detrimental for many people’s wellbeing. In today’s blog, we’ll talk about what mental health awareness means and how you can practise self-care and mindfulness.
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health is a state of wellbeing where individuals realise their own abilities. Additionally, they can:
- cope with the normal stresses of life
- work productively and fruitfully
- are able to make a contribution to their community
It is not the same as Mental Illness which can manifest itself in diseases like Depression and Anxiety. People with Mental Illness can have Good Mental Health and vice versa. Instead, Mental Health focuses on complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. Rather than the absence of disease.
There are six categories which are used to help establish this wellbeing.
- Positive attitude towards self
- Personal growth
- Integration
- Autonomy
- True perception of reality
- Adaptability and healthy interpersonal relationships
Mental Health Awareness Month
Founded by Mental Health America, Mental Health Awareness Month helps individuals with improving their wellbeing. By providing toolkits of materials, activities are hosted through the month to spread awareness and create supportive communities.
2021’s campaign sends the message of “You Are Not Alone”. Focusing on the healing value of connection, it aims to acknowledge that it’s okay not to be okay. No one should feel unheard in their struggles.
Throughout the month, The National Alliance of Mental Illness will be featuring stories from real people and their Mental Heath struggles. If you feel comfortable, you can share your personal story, too! Help make others feel less lonely by increasing awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Wellbeing
- Talk about your feelings. Like 2021’s campaign says: “You Are Not Alone”. It’s good to express and process your emotions in a healthy manner. But, remember to respect other people’s boundaries when it comes to what aspects of Mental Health you’re discussing.
- Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins which are happy chemicals, What’s more, keeping fit boosts your self-esteem, and improves concentration and sleep.
- Pay attention to what you intake. Aim to eat mixture of nutrients in order to stay healthy. Listen to how your body responds to certain foods. Remember to try to eat 5 fruits or vegetables a day!
- Keep in touch. With social distancing and mask-mandates lifting, now is the perfect time to embrace face to face interaction. If this feels too overwhelming right now, your communication can simply be a call, a message, or an old-fashioned letter. Doing this also allows you to keep an eye on your friends’ Mental Health.
- Ask for help. Whether it be professional or a familial helping hand, don’t be afraid to reach out. Some Mental Health organisations have 24/7 hotlines that are free to contact. Remember, you are not alone.
- Take a break. Sometime a change of scene or pace is the perfect thing for your wellbeing. Give yourself at least a few minutes to do something that helps you destress. Self care is essential.
- Find your joy. What do you love doing? Boost your self-esteem by participating in activities that make you smile.
- Practise self-acceptance. Although this is easier said than done, remember that you should talk to yourself like you would to a friend. Be supportive and thankful of your body, self, and mind. Create reminders for days when you have low self-esteem.
- Care for others. Sometimes the best remedy is to focus on other people. Establishing a strong relationship builds concrete support systems and helps us to feel part of a community.
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