The month of MAY is globally observed as the month of Mental Health Awareness. Started in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA) which was then known as the National Association for Mental Health, the purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses. Mental health is one of the 4 pillars of health, the other three being physical health, emotional health and spiritual health.
Every year the Mental Health Awareness month revolves around a theme set by MHA. The theme for the year 2021 is a continuation of year 2020’s theme Tools 2 Thrive which was chosen in “a time of unprecedented anxiety about a world pandemic.”
As stated by MHA : “….we will continue with our theme of Tools 2 Thrive, providing practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase their resiliency regardless of their personal situation.” The decision to continue with the same theme is also in acknowledgement of the prevailing Covid situation which continues its voyage in this year too.
Each year MHA releases a toolkit of materials to provide guidance for greater outreach. The toolkit for this year includes sample materials for communications and social media as well as printable handouts on the following topics:
- Adapting after trauma and stress
- Dealing with anger and frustration
- Getting out of thinking traps
- Processing big changes
- Taking time for yourself
- Radical acceptance
To all our readers out there, we know the times are tough but we are in this together and this too shall pass. Seek help and never forget “It’s Okay to not be Okay!”
MAY you be healthful!
