Break the Stigma: Here’s what you need to know about “Mental Health Awareness Month”!

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Hello! I hope you’re having a great day so far. I’m excited to share with you an interesting topic for today. In these “Mindfulness by Miles” articles, I write about health, wellness, mindfulness, and the future of work with hopes to encourage you to boost your personal and professional life. My reason for doing and sharing these insights with you? I believe TRUE WEALTH is HEALTH. In this article, I’ll talk about one of the most contentious topics recently: Mental health. Keep reading below to know how you can further take care of this aspect of your well-being with the help of mindfulness. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Break the Stigma: Here’s what you need to know about “Mental Health Awareness Month”! In recent years, mental health awareness has gained significant traction, and for good reason. This is because mental health is an essential component of our overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Therefore, raising awareness about this issue helps reduce stigma, encourages people to seek help, and promotes better mental health outcomes for everyone. So, in honor of the “Mental Health Awareness Month,” let’s talk about this topic in today’s article. Let’s delve into the scope and importance of mental health awareness, explore its connection to mindfulness, and discuss practical tips to incorporate mindfulness into our mental health awareness efforts. Understanding Why Mental Health Awareness Matters Mental health awareness refers to the effort of promoting understanding and knowledge about mental health issues, reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses, and encouraging people to seek help when needed. This topic encompasses a broad range of activities and initiatives designed to educate the public about mental health conditions, their impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of mental well-being. The scope of mental health awareness includes the following: Education and Information Dissemination - This covers public campaigns such as World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, workshops and seminars in schools, workplaces, and communities to educate people about mental health, and breaking down complex information into understandable and actionable insights via various digital media platforms. Reducing Stigma and Discrimination - This includes sharing personal experiences and stories of recovery from several mental health issues, advocating for positive and accurate media representations of mental health, and conducting anti-stigma campaigns to change societal attitudes towards mental health. Promoting Mental Health Services - This entails raising awareness about available mental health services and how to access them, as well as emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help from psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Did you know that mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, has a profound impact on mental health? The connection between these two is well-documented, with numerous studies highlighting the benefits of mindfulness practices in reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing overall mental well-being. Mindfulness also helps boost focus and concentration, providing individuals with a greater sense of self-awareness. In fact, several studies show that mindfulness-based interventions reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions! These include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders. Here’s how the different sectors in the society incorporate mindfulness into their mental health awareness programs: Educational Campaigns - Include mindfulness training in mental health workshops and seminars to teach individuals how to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives. School Programs - Integrate mindfulness exercises and education into school curriculums to promote mental health from a young age. Workplace Initiatives - Offer mindfulness training sessions or workshops as part of employee wellness programs. These include encouraging short mindfulness breaks during the workday to reduce stress and enhance productivity. Healthcare Settings - Include mindfulness-based therapies such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in treatment plans for patients, as well as educate patients about the benefits of mindfulness and how to practice it as part of their mental health care. Media and Communications - Use social media to share mindfulness tips, guided meditations, and success stories of individuals, as well as promote and develop apps that provide guided mindfulness practices and track progress. So, now that you’re aware of these efforts to promote mental health awareness, the next question is… How can you personally incorporate mindfulness into your daily life to promote better mental health? Below are a few practical tips: Breathing Exercises: Practicing simple breathing exercises during times of stress will help you center yourself and reduce anxiety. Body Scan Meditation: Conducting a body scan regularly will increase your awareness and relaxation. Mindful Walking: Walking mindfully and paying attention to each step and the sensations involved will help you de-stress. Gratitude Practice: Focusing on gratitude and the positive aspects of your life will enable you to feel better about your day, yourself, etc. Mindfulness Journaling: Journaling lets you reflect mindfully on your thoughts and feelings. This “Mental Health Awareness Month,” I hope you consider doing these tips yourself, no matter how “simple” they are. These will truly make a significant impact on your overall mental well-being! However, if you’ve done all these tips and you still feel like nothing’s changed in your life, don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical expert. Acknowledge what you’re going through at the moment, don’t be afraid that others will judge you negatively, and trust that your psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor will help you feel and get better. Don’t deny or resent your journey! After all, that’s mental health awareness for all it’s worth—reducing the stigma, promoting better mental health outcomes, and fostering a more compassionate, supportive, and understanding society. Advance happy weekend, everyone! May your life be filled with love, joy, and peace today.