Mind Over May: Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month
In today’s increasingly polarized political climate, self-care has never been more essential. Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect springboard to launch your self-care journey.
So why is Mental Health Awareness Month important?
Because it affects us all.
1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.
1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder annually.
According to the CDC’s WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individual aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24.
For far too long, mental health was a hushed topic — swept under the rug and dismissed. But in recent years, we’ve made meaningful strides in breaking the stigma. More awareness campaigns, open conversations, and efforts to improve access to care are helping to reshape how we view mental well-being. We're moving toward a world where mental health is seen as a vital part of overall health — just as important as physical health.
This May, take a moment to check in with yourself. Rest. Reflect. Reach out.
Things you can do to bring awareness to mental health this May
You matter — and so does your mental health. The work we do for ourselves, our families, our friends, coworkers, etc., is a reflection of our own wellness. Our health—both physical and mental—impacts every aspect of our lives. It’s central to our ability to function and should be prioritized.
Promote healthy habits
A healthy lifestyle is crucial for a mental wellness. This means eating a well-balanced diet, routine exercise, getting adequate sleep, taking care of your mental health needs - it’s all important. Like the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.
One of my favorite self-care activities is going on long hikes with my wife and our two dogs, a sassy 11- year-old terrier and goofy 5-year-old golden doodle. It doesn’t necessarily feel like exercise because it’s something we both enjoy. It’s become a kind of ritual for us—an easy way to stay grounded and connected without trying too hard.
What’s your ritual? We all have different needs and goals, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Choose an activity that energizes you and gets those endorphins flowing. Pick meals that are both delicious and nourishing. And remember—it's okay to not be perfectly flexible all the time. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about listening to your body and honoring where you're at.
Check in with friends and family
Social connection is part of a healthy lifestyle, but it deserves its own section because of the magnitude of influence relationships have on mental wellness. We’re social creatures and inherently need interaction to survive—with balance, of course.
Check in on family and friends. Go beyond the month of May and make it a regular thing. Even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. It’s important to recognize that everyone carries weight, and having a connection with someone can make that load feel more manageable—especially in today’s political climate.
Support a mental health nonprofit
There are SO many mental health nonprofits out there—supporting individuals with mental health needs, advocating for accessible services across all communities, and raising awareness about mental health. A lot of these nonprofits also host events throughout the month to help spread the word and keep the conversation going!
EveryMind is one of several local nonprofits whose mission is to keep that conversation going and to reach as many people and communities as possible. Along with many other organizations, EveryMind encourages volunteerism and participation not just in May, but year-round.
Looking for a triple win this month? Join EveryMind’s 5K on May 19th —it’s the perfect chance to support mental health awareness, connect with the community, and get your steps in all at once.Let’s move with purpose!
https://www.everymind.org/everymile-for-everymind-5k/
