May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our lives are impacted each and every day by our mental health. Being vigilant about our mental health can positively impact our lives and how our lives impact others. 

In recent years, mental health overall has taken a significant hit. Many struggles became widely known, political issues triggered additional anguish and mental health breakdowns, and civil unrest completely altered how many Americans view our nation and the health that can come from our whole body health care. Here are some ways to help get your mental health back into the swing of things during this month of awareness. 

Statistics on Mental Health

According to Mental Health America’s 2022 data, 19.86% of adults are experiencing a mental health illness, which is equivalent to about 50 million Americans. Approximately 4.91% of those are experiencing a severe mental health illness. In 2022, 7.74% of adults in America reported having a substance use disorder in the past year, 2.97% of adults in America reported having an illicit drug use disorder in the past year, and 5.71% of adults in America reported having an alcohol use disorder in the past year.

Mental health concerns are on the rise. There are many ways to get help or provide resources for others in need. There is only so much that we can handle on our own. Use this May to address your own mental health needs. 

Evaluate Your Stressors

Taking time to evaluate the stressors we have in our lives can change how we view our lives. If there is room for even slight adjustments, this month is the perfect time to address them. 

Review your daily life and see what can be done to help eliminate any small challenges that can be easily adjusted in order to better your overall mental health. Taking time to meditate or reflect is often a great starting point in evaluating our needs for mental health. 

Share What You Want

It is more commonplace now to discuss mental health concerns openly in any setting. It seems like everywhere we turn, someone is discussing their concerns. This does not mean that we are required to divulge every piece of information about our own mental health and our mental health struggles. If you feel comfortable sharing, great! Don’t let others force you to share what you don’t want to. 

Talk to Healthcare Professionals

When bringing attention to our mental health, the best thing to do is to bring it up with our healthcare professionals. Taking to our primary care providers can be the great first step in getting the help we need. 

There are many great digital options available now that can connect you with mental health experts quickly and on your own terms. Remember that the help you need can be as easy as downloading an app. 

The digital mental health boom is happening right now, and there are many options for accessible and affordable care at your fingertips. Feel free to review different options first in order to find the best fit for you. Mental health help is not always one size fits all, but there are plenty of great options out there. 

Resources

Keep these mental health resources in mind during this month. Even if the information isn't necessary for us, just knowing the information can help others. 

For more statistics and information on mental health in America, click here. 

For information on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), click here. 

For information on the National Alliance on Mental Health, click here. 

For information on the Trevor Project, click here. 

For information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, click here. 

For information on the Veterans Crisis Line, click here. 

For information on the National Institute of Mental Health, click here. 

‍