May is Mental Health Awareness Month which is soon coming to an end. However, the importance of taking care of our mental health will continue far past this designated month. It is a “daily grind” as some would say to keep an eye on our mental health status. In other words, prioritizing your mental health and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay has to addressed.
There is a difference between mental health and mental illness. Let’s define both:
Mental Health as defined by the World Health Organization, is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. Wikipedia
Mental Illnesses are defined as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. A mental health disorder can affect people of every sex, age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic group. Disorders can range from mild to severe and like any medical condition, many factors can trigger illness. Those with mental disorders struggle to cope with everyday life because of their altered thinking, moods or behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more that 50% of individuals will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime. (pasendenavilla.com)
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness and those who do not need to assess their state of well being regularly for any changes. Your abilities to cope with normal and abnormal stresses can vary from one season to the next in your life. We may find that some abilities diminish over time due to prolonged stressors (ex. Covid-19 stress).
The good news is that you can regain and replenish your mental health! Even if you are diagnosed with a mental illness, you can live a productive and fruitful life. It begins with your attitude and ends with your attitude. I love the quote “your attitude determines your altitude”. This is true with addressing mental health. Let me ask you some questions.
- What is your first thoughts when you hear the words “mental health” or “mental illness”?
- Do you have any reservation about discussing or addressing your mental health?
- Are you comfortable with addressing your mental health or illness with yourself or others?
Depending on how you answered the questions above will greatly influence your mental health status. Let’s help to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illnesses by educating ourselves and engaging in open conversation.
Please feel free to share your mental health journey in the response box. Your story can inspire and motivate someone else to be the best they can mentally!
If you think that you or a loved one may be struggling with a mental health disorder…please seek HELP!!
Online Mental Health Resources:
https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
To contact the NAMI Helpline, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET, or send an email to info@nami.org.
Advice on Mental Health Disorders | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (bbrfoundation.org)
Best regards,
Dr. G
Dr.G....."Grace & Grit" 
Excellent article and muchly needed!
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