May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

May is Mental Health Awareness month!

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health issues. Mental Health Awareness Month started in the U.S. in 1949 by the National Associate for Mental Health. It’s purpose is to raise awareness and educate people about mental health. This includes awareness of the 18.1% of Americans who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The month of May is a time to learn about the realities of living with these conditions and the strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. The month also aims to draw attention to suicide, which can be precipitated by some mental health issues.

In the wake of COVID-19, now more than ever it’s important that we address these issues and destigmatize the assumptions around them. Accord encourages you to focus on healthy aspects of your daily lives in order to promote mental wellness.

Here are some things you can do to keep your mental health in check:

• Maintain uninterrupted sleep for 8 hours each night
• Eat 2-3 well-balanced meals per day
• Drink at least 3 liters of water per day
• Engage in a physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
• Stay away from toxic thoughts, toxic people, and toxic conversations
• Engage in positive thoughts and conversations
• Learn how to manage your stress
• Stay present in your daily relationships
• Avoid “screen time” and engage in more “in person time”
• Visit your doctor for preventative health and screenings
• Take time for yourself every day

Learn more at www.nami.org.