Mental Health Awareness Month

By VerityCU May 12, 2022 Community

“How are you doing?”

That is one of the most asked questions but also one of the most lied about answers. Why do we feel the need to tell everyone “I’m doing great” when we are actually not?

Mental Health Awareness month is observed every May and this year’s theme is “Back to the Basics”. Designated by Mental Health America (MHA), the theme is intended to bring to light that mental health is just as important as physical health. With today’s world, where BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities face constant oppression from society, and the pandemic altering our daily lives in ways we never expected, it’s imperative to listen to what your mind is going through and seek help – if needed.

Addressing mental health symptoms is important for overall health. From the environment we engage with on a daily basis to our genetics we were given, there are many factors that can contribute to mental health conditions. Fortunately, there are protective measures that can prevent mental health conditions from developing, or keep them from becoming severe.

1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, but everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental wellbeing. We live in a world where mental health is stigmatized by many and is not talked about as it nearly should be. In fact, expressing your feelings out loud can help significantly, rather than bottling your thoughts up. And mental health is a very human thing (like breathing), so expressing that you need a mental health day after a long week, or just taking some time out of your day to meditate, is just as normal as scheduling an appointment with your physician when you don’t feel well.

So, how are we doing? Not every day is great, but we are moving forward one step at a time.

Don’t forget, if you find yourself stressed from finances, reach out to us! We are here to partner with you and help.

Resources

Life can be challenging, but every day shouldn’t feel hard or out of your control. If it does, one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening at mhascreening.org.
Starting July 16, 2022, call 988 for matters of mental health crisis. Calling 988 will connect you directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is staffed by trained crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, text MHA to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7 or call 1-800- 273-8255 to reach a local crisis center through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Starting to Think About Mental Health?

• The B4Stage4 Philosophy

• Information on various mental health conditions

• Information on factors that can impact your mental health

What To Do When You Need Help

• Recovery is a Journey

• Self-Help Tools

• Time To Talk: Tips for Talking About Your Mental Health

• How to Talk to Your Parents About Mental Health

• Types of Mental Health Professionals

• IAMNOTALONE – Meet and connect with new people to build meaningful friendships.

Finding Care