How Can I Promote Mental Health Awareness?
We all know the importance of physical health. We eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep to keep our bodies functioning optimally. But what about our mental health? Just as crucial, mental well-being significantly impacts our daily lives, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Jennifer Kugler, our Senior Program Director of Behavioral Health Services says, “Developing a wellness plan, as part of our daily lives, can help to promote our mental health. Wellness is not a destination, but a journey that we can modify and adjust as our needs change.”
Think of mental health as the foundation for a thriving life. When our mental health is strong, we can:
Manage stress effectively. Feeling overwhelmed by work or personal issues is a normal part of life. With positive mental health, we can develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges.
Maintain positive relationships. Strong mental well-being allows us to connect with others in healthy ways, fostering supportive and meaningful friendships.
Achieve our goals. When we feel positive mentally, we're more focused, productive, and equipped to persevere through setbacks.
Enjoy life. Positive mental health allows us to experience joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in our daily lives.
Cultivating Mental Wellness: From Work to Play
So how can we actively promote positive mental health in different aspects of our lives?
In the Workplace
Open Communication. Talk openly about mental health in the workplace. Encourage colleagues to seek help if needed and normalize prioritizing it by taking days off.
Healthy Work-Life Balance. Set boundaries between work and personal life. Disconnect after work hours and prioritize activities that recharge you.
Promote Camaraderie. Foster a positive work environment with team-building activities and recognition programs. Strong social connections at work can significantly boost mental well-being.
In Your Friendships
Be a Good Listener. Actively listen to your friends and offer support without judgment.
Encourage Healthy Habits. Participate in activities that benefit everyone's mental health. Spend time in nature or engage in hobbies together.
Practice Empathy. Try to see things from your friend's perspective and offer understanding and compassion.
In Your Day-to-Day Life
Prioritize Self-Care. Schedule time for activities you enjoy. It could be reading, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a creative outlet.
Mindfulness Practices. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can cultivate calmness and reduce stress.
Seek Professional Help. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're struggling. Therapists can provide valuable guidance and tools to improve your mental health.
How to Take Action to Spread Mental Health Awareness
Become a Butterfly Advocate with Us!
This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re on a mission to plant butterfly gardens across our communities! At Acenda, we're committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing unwavering support to those navigating their emotional well-being. These gardens represent transformation, acceptance, and our collective commitment to positive mental health.
These butterfly gardens will symbolize your commitment to positive mental health advocacy, beautifying your space while sparking conversations within your community.
If you are interested in becoming a Butterfly Advocate, Transformation Champion, or Mental Health Ambassador with Acenda, please click the button below to learn more.
Spread Awareness on Social Media
Use relevant hashtags like #MentalHealthAwareness, #MentalHealthMatters, or #EndStigma.
Share informative posts about mental health topics, self-care tips, or resources available in your community.
Repost and share our Butterfly Garden Campaign! Use the hashtag #AcendaButterflyGarden so we can see them.
Advocate and Educate
Contact your local representatives and express your support for mental health initiatives.
Start conversations about mental health in your everyday life, normalizing open discussions.
Educate yourself about mental health conditions and encourage others to do the same. Learn about the most common mental health myths here.
Promote Self-Care
Share self-care tips and resources on relaxation techniques, healthy habits, or managing stress. Start by writing yourself a self-care list.
Organize group activities like yoga sessions or meditation walks.
The Power of Prioritizing Mental Wellness
Life throws us curveballs – unexpected events, daily stressors, and even the weather can impact our overall well-being. In today's world, taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.
One of the most impactful things I've done for myself is prioritize therapy. Therapy offers a safe space to talk through challenges, process emotions, and gain valuable tools for managing stress. Therapy serves not only to address significant challenges, but also to enhance resilience and adeptly manage everyday difficulties.
For me, therapy has been transformative. I've developed a deeper understanding of my feelings and learned to express them more effectively. This self-awareness allows me to set goals with confidence and feel empowered to achieve them.
Let's keep the conversation about mental health going! By talking about mental health and taking action, we can create a world that values and supports mental well-being.
Enjoy more mental health resources by visiting our
About the Author
Mariana Heyel, Communications Coordinator at Acenda, is a South Jersey native who ventured to the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate degree, where she studied Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management. Passionate about connection, good stories, and the importance of mental health in her life.