May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The White House has called mental health conditions a national health crisis, citing CDC statistics from February 2021 that one in four adults reported experiencing anxiety or depressive disorders and 10% of America’s youth are suffering from deep depression.
These statistics are far from surprising given the disruption caused by the pandemic. Too many people have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to COVID-19. Health concerns have kept many in their homes for the better part of the past 15 months, isolated from others without access to activities that provide a release for so many of us.
Here are four ways to improve your mental health and to improve the outlook of those around you.
Practice self-care. Do what makes you happy. The National Institute of Mental Health says as little as 30 minutes a day of exercise can improve both your mood and your physical health. I have taken a walk around my neighborhood nearly every day since the pandemic began. I find breathing fresh air, seeing the trees and moving my body gives me a moment to relax. NIMH also recommends participating in relaxation and wellness activities, such as meditation or yoga; and regularly engaging in healthy activities you enjoy such as cooking a new recipe, drawing a picture, or listening to music. Take advantage of relaxing restrictions on visiting public spaces such as the New England Aquarium, the Old North Church, sporting events and other Boston area landmarks.
Reject shame and stigma. Acknowledging stress is an important step to improving a negative situation. One of the biggest barriers to people talking to someone and getting help is the embarrassment they feel about their mental health. There has been a push to equalize people’s perception of mental and physical challenges. The nonprofit SHINE Initiative has started student run clubs called Mindmatters teams in dozens of Central Massachusetts high schools and middle schools to help students realize they are not alone when they experience stress. And they organize Refresh Days to promote positive mental health practices. The economic challenges caused by the pandemic have exacerbated people’s concerns about their finances, yet many are reluctant to talk about it. Workers Credit Union has created the Workers Way, a program of free one on one financial coaching available its members to help them redefine their relationship with their money and increase their financial wellness.
Seek support at work. Organizations are developing all kinds of innovative resources to address the issue of mental health for their staff. For example, Boston Uncornered has a clinical manager on staff to support the peer mentors called College Readiness Advisors who are helping former gang members become college students and positive role models. The Society for Human Resource Management recommends companies and nonprofits codify their mental health policy and make it known to all employees to create a safe place for staff to get help when they need it.
Help others. Volunteering is a great way to give yourself a mental health boost. According to Psychology Today, giving your time and resources to others improves self-esteem, breaks the habit of self-centered thinking, promotes gratitude, and builds connections to others. Many organizations could use support to help the people they serve who have been affected by the pandemic including Project Bread, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, Health Care Without Walls, and many others.
While awareness months are helpful, mental health is something that should be a priority all year long. Nonprofits are here to help.
