Written by Michelle Nguyen
Edited by Cassidy Ho
January has arrived, and for many, this month can be seen as an opportunity to turn a new leaf and forgo the past. While the idea of future experiences and starting fresh is great, it is also essential for us to reflect and heal from the crazy year that was 2020 before moving on.
Graphic made by Lesley Pham, from Arts for Relief
What is Mental Wellness Month?
Mental Wellness Month is a campaign organized by the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP) and strives to underline the importance of self-care and mental wellness. The campaign also focuses on normalizing periodic mental health checkups and seeking mental health assistance for all communities.
The definition of mental wellness is blurred as everyone’s perception of being mentally well can be different. Mental wellness can be perceived as the ability to handle stressors well or being in a genuine state of happiness. However, what many do have in common is the tendency to neglect their mental health due to stress factors and traumatic experiences. With that in mind, Mental Wellness Month can be a starting point for individuals to prioritize their mental health, better comprehend their emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.
To participate in advancing Mental Wellness Month’s purposes, you can start by:
1. Using your social media platforms to spread awareness
Repost that infographic on ways to improve mental health. Start a discussion on mental wellness with your peers. With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting social interaction, actively advocating for mental wellness online can help you communicate Mental Wellness Month’s message to those who may need it.
2. Encourage your community (ex. School clubs, family and friends, jobs) to donate towards mental health organizations
If you are unable to donate directly to mental health organizations, try influencing your community. For example, hosting a car wash, bake sale, or other fundraisers are ways to raise funds towards donations. These donations can go towards building mental health programs for the underprivileged, mental health research, and more. Wherever you decide to donate, be sure to do your research thoroughly.
Organizations you can donate to:
3. Regularly check up on your peers
Individuals that are struggling with their mental health may not open up easily. Reaching out to someone in need can help relieve their pain and give them purpose when battling their struggles. Guide them toward receiving professional help. Give them a shoulder to cry on. Simply listen to their concerns. Your concern and help can be more impactful than you may realize.
How to reach out:
Ways to begin bettering your mental wellness:
1. Take the time to destress and relax
No matter how hectic your schedule may be, take at least a few minutes out of your day to destress. Whether you have time to take a deep breath or read an entire novel, find a way to relax before continuing the rest of your day.
2. Take note of the positive aspects
This task can be difficult for many as days filled with stressful responsibilities and negative thoughts are enough to tarnish one’s mindset. Despite this, recognizing things you are grateful for and/or things that bring you happiness can decrease stress and anxiety.
3. Prioritize your passions/Discover new hobbies
If you find that specific tasks and hobbies bring you joy, don’t be afraid to dive deeper into these passions. Despite what you may think, getting through a stressful day is hard work in itself, and you deserve to treat yourself to activities you enjoy doing. For example, creative activities such as writing poetry, painting, and playing instruments are proven to increase relaxation. Other activities you can partake in include but are not limited to exercise, reading, decorating, gaming, and cooking. Find what interests you, and invest more time into it!
4. Don’t run away from negative emotions and thoughts
As humans, it is normal to suppress negative feelings and wish for them to disappear. Whatever the situation is, it is completely valid to not want to talk about your negative thoughts. The reality is that they don’t disappear overnight. Whether it be jotting down your thoughts in a notebook or opening up to someone you trust, you can slowly work towards overcoming these emotional barriers.
5. Receiving professional help
Mental illness is a struggle that many humans face worldwide. In the United States alone, up to 40 million individuals live with mental illnesses. If you are/believe you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, do not feel ashamed to seek help from mental health professionals. Having a mental illness does not mean you are weak, and it certainly does not mean you have to face it alone.
Mental health/illness is not always easy to talk about. Actively applying Mental Health Wellness Month’s purposes in your life is just one way to begin bettering your community’s environment and your mental wellness. Continue to advocate for mental health reform, self-care, and more throughout your daily life as these small steps will lead to great improvements in the future.
RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH/ILLNESS ASSISTANCE:
SOURCES:
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