Empowering Minds: Celebrate Mental Health Action Day on May 18th
May is recognized as Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, advocating for mental wellness, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. It serves as a platform to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and empowers people to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and promote understanding and compassion.
It is also a time to recognize that while we may not be experiencing a mental health challenge that needs healthcare provider intervention, there are things we can do on a regular basis to support our well-being and that of our family, friends, and community.
As part of this important month, Mental Health Action Day takes center stage on May 18th, providing an opportunity to take action and for raising awareness about this important topic.
There are many ways someone can focus on their well-being and that of those around them. This includes:
- Plan on taking at least one hour on Mental Health Action Day, May 18th to focus on your self-care. There are many activities that will boost your well-being such as participating in activities that bring you happiness, ensuring you receive adequate rest, spending time with your family and friends, and supporting community causes close to your heart. Other ideas are listed on this flyer from Mental Health is Health – Do Something for Your Mental Health Today.
- At SDHR Consulting our values include the 3-C’s, Client, Colleagues, and Community. We encourage our employees in these areas using our Volunteer and Emotional Agility Programs. Below are some of the creative ways our SDHRC Team uses to recharge, give back, and enhance their emotional resilience:
- I like to take a walk without headphones or distractions and take in all that surrounds me.
- My favorite way to relax is to shop at my local farmers market and enjoy all the wonderful fresh food.
- When I am stressed, I love a bubble bath with nice-smelling candles.
- My family forms a massage train. We line up in a circle and give each other a neck massage for five minutes.
- I make pancakes for my family with a smiley face on them.
- I am active with a dog rescue and it is difficult to feel stressed when you are spending time with the puppies.
- You may also choose to increase your awareness about mental health. Learning about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available treatment options helps us foster a more empathetic and informed society. Education empowers us to recognize signs of distress in ourselves and others and to take appropriate action to improve the situation. Mental Health is Health.us is one of many sources for learning more.
- Many people will also choose to support mental health in their communities by advocating for accessible and affordable services that are vital to ensuring everyone has the resources they need. By supporting organizations and initiatives that provide mental health support, we can contribute to breaking down barriers and promoting equal access to care. There are many organizations operating in the realm of mental health that help further the aim of assisting people with mental health wellness.
As an employer, you may be concerned about your employees and their well-being. Our blog Employee Mental Health – A Compassionate Manager Guide provides ideas on supporting your employees mental well-being and what to do if they may need more intensive assistance.
Author: Traci Hagan
