May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As we approach the final days of the month, it is important to keep the momentum going to help make a lasting impact. There are things you can do to help make a difference in the final days of this important month.
Sharing your story allows your friends to put a face to mental illness. Sure, statistics can be staggering, but lumping so many different stories together can make people lose touch with the personal human side to mental illness. This also helps people know that they are not alone in their struggle and allows you to connect with new people. This Mental Health Awareness Month is perfect to share your story!
Despite mental illness being a real issue, so many still make fun of those who suffer and use incorrect terminology. Stand up when you see or hear this being done, whether it is on social media or in real life. Educate these people with the facts so they are aware of the realities of struggling with mental illness and so the stigma will come to an end.
Sharing educational articles on social media helps keep the conversation relevant. Whether it is an article about a personal story by someone who suffers from mental illness or a list of ways to take action during Mental Health Awareness Month, these articles can help raise awareness while conversing about the issues surrounding mental health.
If you know your friends suffer from mental illness of any kind, be supportive of them. Let them know that you are there for them if they ever need anything, even just to talk. Spend time with them, unafraid of what may happen if their symptoms show. Give them a safe place where they know they can be open to sharing what they are dealing with. Be on the lookout for new symptoms and know who to contact when things get bad.
This is especially true if someone you know was just recently diagnosed with a mental illness or are sharing symptoms with you and are unaware of what steps to take next. Share lists of trusted psychologists, screening tests, or articles about those who experienced a similar story.
Sometimes, people who are dealing with mental health may make posts on social media about potential symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. If you see these posts, stay calm. Let the person know that you are there for them and that you care, even if you do not talk much. Facebook even has the option to alert the platform of posts that are suicidal in nature. Flagging these posts allows Facebook to send the person relevant resources.
Educate yourself about various aspects of mental illness. Learn the symptoms of the various mental illnesses and how to cope with them. Know the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists. Memorize the names and numbers of various help resources, or at least have them saved on your phone in case you or a loved one ever need them.
Many areas have local organizations that are geared towards mental health. Take time to volunteer with these organizations, even if you never struggled with mental illness. This will allow you to make an impact on those who are struggling as well as give you an inside look as to what they deal with. It will also allow those with mental illness to know they have allies in those who do not have a mental illness.
Unfortunately, many politicians keep mental health issues swept to the side without thinking of the ramifications. Write letters to local and national government officials, telling them that you care about mental health issues and that you want to keep legislation talks relevant. Call them out when they make a mistake or use incorrect terminology in legislation or in the presentation of laws.
Many screening resources are available online for those in need. These can be used to see if you or a loved one should consider getting professional help with mental illness. Temple’s Tuttleman Counseling Services has a screening service available. Help Yourself Help Others is another great resource to utilize.
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