May is mental health awareness month! Now is the time to have conversations about stigma and mental illness and how we can all support each other.
Reflect
Ask yourself “How am I?” and be honest. You don’t need to lie to yourself and pretend that your life is perfect because it may not be. That is okay! Take some time to realize your feelings. Maybe have a conversation with yourself in a journal. Think about all of what you love about your life and what you would like to be different. Think about what your average mood has been. Reflect on the highs and lows, your favorite moments and the rough ones.
Get help
You don’t need to be at the end of your rope to get help. If you find yourself feeling vaguely lost then maybe seek out some resources! One of the biggest stigmas in the area of mental health is that if you can only seek out therapy if you are at rock bottom. Psychotherapy is NOT just for your desperate moments, but for any person who needs support and wants to live a better life. It’s not selfish to want to be your best self, and talking to a professional can help you start thriving!
Give help
There are many ways that you can help bring some light onto mental health awareness. Check out the NAMIWalks page and participate in one near you! Maybe search online for other local events or donate to the cause.
On a more personal level, practice mindfulness in your daily relationships. Pay attention to your peers and be a positive person in their life. Have meaningful conversations and focus on listening to what others have to say. So many of us may be battling mental illness and having support can make all the difference.
