Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to shed light on the complexities of mental health, to break down stigmas and to foster understanding and hope.

Mental health is a key component of a person’s overall wellness. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel and act – shaping every aspect of our lives. As such, caring for our mental health is vital for a fulfilling and healthy life. This care involves everyday habits and practices to care for our emotional and mental well-being, and how we equip ourselves to overcome challenges. These challenges can include everyday stressors, one-off events and ongoing symptoms of clinical conditions.

While the importance of mental health is increasingly recognized in society, there is still stigma attached to mental health disorders and mental health care. This stigma can prevent someone from seeking help or speaking openly about their challenges with mental health.

Stigmas can stem from misconceptions, fear and societal norms that portray mental illness as a sign of weakness or personal failure. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to challenge these misconceptions and foster environments of acceptance and support. 

Key tips for challenging stigmas:

• Being mindful of loaded language. Avoid words and phrases that reinforce negative stereotypes, like psycho, hysterical or insane.
• Using person-first language can switch the focus from someone's diagnosis to their abilities. For example, "a person with bipolar disorder” focuses on the individual more than "a bipolar person," which uses the disorder as the individual's defining characteristic.
• Engaging in open dialogue. Providing a safe space to discuss mental health, challenges and victories helps create an accepting and supportive environment. Accurate empathy is one way to promote open dialogue in these environments.
• Challenging myths or harmful messaging. This helps set an example and reduce feelings of shame, inadequacy and isolation. 
• Incorporating policies that prioritize mental health education. This can include having educational requirements at your workplace, supporting policies and legislation that integrate mental health education and reading up on current research and best practices.
• Caring for your own mental health. Ensuring you’re at your own personal best can help you feel prepared to meet the needs of your clients and provide a supportive environment.
• Seeking out resources, such as this toolkit developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

De-stigmatizing mental health care is important not just this month, but every day. We can help create communities where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, seek support without shame and know they are not alone in their struggle.