05/04/2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is something we all have to take care of. Sometimes that means preventive care: when we feel pretty healthy, or when we start to feel our thoughts slipping or stress rising. Sometimes it means more targeted care: for those who are experiencing mental illness or a challenging situation, whether acute or long-term. Just like we aim to eat healthy foods, take showers, go to the doctor for a checkup, or go to the doctor when we're sick, we can feed our mental health well, take time for activities that make us feel good, visit mental health specialists to check in, and seek specific help when we are mentally unwell. There are still many barriers and stigma around accessing mental health care. We have a long way to go, but progress starts with awareness.
Consider starting this month with a self check-in, since mental health affects *everyone* in various ways.
-What do you currently do that keeps your mind feeling healthy? It could be anything, big or small.
-When you start to feel your mindset slipping or stress rising, what are your little safety nets that pick you up, reset, or get you back on track to feeling better?
-Do you need help with something that's affecting your mental health or daily life? There is a resource out there for you, and it is okay to ask for help!
**I am not a mental health professional, but I am passionate about advocating for mental health! If you're looking for an uplifting movement activity to support your mental health or a friend's, my hoop classes are open for you to try! If you need other forms of support, I can always offer a friendly listening ear, and can refer you to organizations with a person who's more qualified to help. ๐๐๐