Finding Ways to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take action to support mental health and well-being. This month is especially important for those in recovery from an eating disorder, as it provides a platform to acknowledge the complexities of mental health and stigma associated with the disease. Eating disorders, like all mental health issues, are not a choice, nor a sign of weakness or vanity, they are severe mental health illnesses that affect millions of people every day.
In this blog post, we will discuss ways to honor and celebrate mental health awareness month.
What is the history of Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual observance in the United States held every May to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions, and encourage people to seek and access mental health care and support. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to shine a light on the importance of mental health and to promote mental wellness.
The observance of Mental Health Awareness Month started in the United States in 1949 by the organization Mental Health America (MHA) as Mental Health Week. The program's goal was to educate people about mental health issues and to promote prevention, early intervention, and treatment. In 1953, the week-long event was expanded to a whole month to allow for more in-depth education and awareness-raising activities.
Since then, MHA and other mental health organizations have continued to sponsor Mental Health Awareness Month activities and initiatives to educate people about mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. The awareness campaign seeks to provide good information about mental health; improve access to mental health care, treatment, and support; and reduce the stigma that still exists around mental illness.
Why is participating or honoring Mental Health Month so important?
Participating in Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial in combating the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental illness, especially eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, at least 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and yet only one in ten individuals will receive the treatment they need. By speaking out and raising awareness, we can help to break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help and getting the support they deserve.
As for individuals or families that have been affected by or are currently struggling with a mental health condition, the opportunity to share one's story can be extremely powerful in not only breaking the stigma and isolation felt, but can help someone else struggling realize they are not alone.
The real impact of mental illness
Mental illness or poor mental health can have a significant impact on one's life. According to the World Health Organization, mental illness is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with depression being the most common mental disorder.
Individuals with poor mental health may experience difficulty in maintaining relationships, including family, friends, and romantic partners. They may feel isolated and have limited social interactions, which can worsen their condition in a vicious cycle. People with mental illness may also have trouble holding down a job or succeeding academically, leading to financial instability, poverty, and increasing the likelihood of homelessness.
Moreover, poor mental health is often associated with physical health issues like gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and cardiovascular diseases. This is likely due to the interconnection between the brain and other bodily functions, such as the immune and nervous systems.
That is why destigmatizing mental illness does not only improve the well-being of individuals, but society as a whole.
7 ways to Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month
Each and every one of us can play a role in helping raise awareness, reducing stigma and providing inspiration and practical tips to improving our mental health. Here are a few ways to honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May:
1. Participate in local or virtual events
Many organizations host events throughout the month to raise awareness and support mental health. Contact your local community center, eating disorder treatment center, or search online to find events in your area. You can also join virtual events to connect with others in recovery from the comfort of your own home. Some ideas include virtual walks, art exhibits, and social media challenges. Participating in these events can offer a sense of purpose, community, and connection, and contribute to reducing the stigma.
2. Educate yourself and others
Learning about eating disorders and mental health is an essential way to break the stigma and support recovery. Consider attending workshops, seminars, or classes on topics related to mental health and eating disorders to gain new insights and tools for recovery. Share what you learn with family and friends, through social media or hosting virtual get-togethers.
Even sharing articles on Facebook or Instagram that inspire you or you think may be helpful to others can be a powerful way to help someone else feel less alone. The more we know and understand, the better equipped we are to support ourselves and others on the path to recovery.
3. Practice mindfulness and self-care
Mental health and eating disorder recovery require daily self-care practices. Mindfulness and self-care involve taking the time to focus on the present moment, prioritize self-love and care. It can include journaling, yoga, meditation, or any activity that helps you become more present and aware. Scheduling time for self-care activities can help prevent burnout, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental health.
4. Start or join a support group
Support groups provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to share experiences, offer support and encouragement, and connect with others who understand their struggles. Consider joining a local or virtual support group to gain insight, advice, and support from those in recovery. If no group exists in your area, consider starting one. It can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and building community.
5. Reach out for help
Reaching out for help during Mental Health Awareness Month can be perceived as a brave and courageous step towards improving one's mental health. This is particularly important given that the stigma surrounding mental health conditions can often make it difficult for individuals to seek the help they need. It takes a significant amount of strength and fortitude to acknowledge that one is struggling with their mental health and to take steps towards seeking treatment. As such, reaching out for help is a significant milestone in the journey towards mental wellness.
6. Support laws and initiatives that improve mental health care and access
There is a dire need for policies that expand access to care, such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion, which have helped to increase the number of people with mental health coverage. Additionally, laws like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensure that mental health services are covered at the same level as physical health services, but enforcement of these laws must be strengthened.
The Eating Disorder Coalition hosts annual advocacy days and other initiatives that allow you to play an active role in supporting legislation changes to treat eating disorders as a public health priority. By supporting such initiatives and advocating for greater investment in mental health, we can improve outcomes for those with eating disorders and all individuals affected by mental illness.
7. Volunteer at Crisis Text Line
Volunteering with Crisis Text Line is an impactful way to support mental health awareness and provide help to those in crisis. Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 text-based service that offers confidential support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By volunteering with Crisis Text Line, individuals can undergo extensive training to become a crisis counselor and provide support to people in need.
Crisis Text Line reports that over 41 million messages have been exchanged with people in need since the service was launched in 2013, and 98% of individuals report feeling better after speaking with a crisis counselor. In addition to providing critical help to those in crisis, volunteering with Crisis Text Line can also be a fulfilling way to give back to the community and improve one's own mental health literacy. With the ongoing need for mental health resources and support, volunteering with Crisis Text Line can make a significant difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more compassionate and responsive society.
In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness Month provides us with a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with eating disorders and other mental illnesses.
By taking a proactive approach to mental health and raising awareness about the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment, we can help individuals feel less alone and better equipped to cope with their illness. By working together, we can create a society that values and supports the mental health and well-being of all individuals, both during mental health awareness month and all year long.
If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone. If you are ready to begin the journey of recovery, Central Coast Treatment Center is here to support you. Please reach out to us to learn more about our treatment programs.