Posted May 20th, 2014
By Guest Blogger
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, each year over 60 million Americans experience some form of mental illness. That’s one in four adults; millions more are touched by mental illness in the lives of family, friends and loved ones. Mental health awareness month serves to highlight the important issues: to improve access to treatment, to fight the stigma around mental health, to provide support, to educate the public and to advocate for equal care.
Mental Health America is one organization that is working to raise awareness about mental illness and the importance of mental wellness for all. That is why their focus this year is on caring for your mind and body. Their “Mind Your Health” campaign aims to encourage all Americans to take care of their physical and mental health. The fact is, mental health is an integral part of our overall health. Far too many people fail to incorporate this into their overall health choices. The good news is that there are many healthy choices and steps that individuals can adopt to promote and strengthen their mental health, and as a result their overall health and well-being. A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems. It can also help people recover from these conditions. Some of the ways in which you can improve your mental and overall health are:
· Eating a healthy diet – Eating breakfast, limiting caffeine, alcohol intake, sugar and high fat foods; eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and unsaturated fats. People who follow this kind of diet are up to 30% less likely to develop depression than people who eat lots of meat and dairy products, and those that skip meals.
· Getting the right amount of rest, relaxation and exercise - According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep a day. If you aren’t getting enough time to relax, you may find yourself feeling tense and stressed out. Long-term stress if not addressed can lead to anxiety, depression and a host of other issues. Exercise is very beneficial to mental health. It improves mood and motivation. Adults need at least 2 ½ hours of moderate aerobic activity each week and muscle strengthening exercises twice a week.
· Social Support – Research has shown that social support wards off the effects of stress on depression, anxiety and other health problems. Its amazing what a network of support can do for your mood and general sense of well-being. Having people to talk to when you are feeling stressed and to share your happiness with are vital to your mental health. Be sure to connect regularly with friends and family!
· Take control of your stress – Everyone has stress. It’s a normal part of life. However, when you are feeling overwhelmed by it, it can cause you to feel sick, strained and it can threaten your health and well-being. If you are feeling stressed, use techniques such as meditation, relaxation, exercise, hobbies and talking to others to decrease it in your life.
· Finding help – There are signs that you may need to seek out the support of a mental health professional. If you are experiencing prolonged depression, excessive fears, extreme highs and lows, confused thinking, dramatic changes in eating and sleep, delusions or hallucinations, a growing inability to cope, substance abuse problems or suicidal thoughts then it’s time to seek the support of a mental health professional.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness invites everyone in the month of May to “Go Green” for Mental Health. The more people know, the more they can do to help. With knowledge comes understanding; a willingness to share experiences, provide support and reduce stigma.
To learn more, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may and http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=May_is_Mental_Health_Month
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