Mental Health Awareness Month

Data and statistics show us that most individuals and families are impacted by mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), borderline personality, Bipolar disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), schizophrenia and more. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and regardless of where you are at in your own mental health journey, we want you to know you are not alone.

Our goals this month include destigmatizing the negativity around mental health conditions, extending support and tools to the Summit County community, and the continued education to all of us to help us better understand and support ourselves and those around us. Here are a few suggestions to participate in this important month of awareness in your own life, at home, and even in your workplace. Try one or all:

• Learn Coping Mechanisms– For many years our society has encouraged a negative, shameful approach to dealing with mental health conditions. However, the more we are open to learning about our own issues and finding tools to work through them, the more we encourage those around us to do the same. Putting a name to the feelings you are experiencing is a great place to start in creating a resiliency focused approach. Exploring your options and finding coping mechanisms that work for you is very important! This will look different for all of us and requires us to be a little creative. Not one treatment or tool works the same for everyone. There is a wide range of options from breathwork, meditation, stress fidgets and journaling- to talk therapy, group support and medications.

• Create an open and supportive home- One of the most important things we can offer ourselves and each other is a safe space to communicate what we are experiencing and when we need additional support or help. Normalize checking in with your spouse, children, roommates, and friends, and be aware of drastic changes in their regular behaviors. Vocalizing your own struggles and feelings in front of your family and friends can role-model to others that you are a safe space to come to for support. Bring back family dinners, or schedule weekly dinners with friends and roommates to encourage connection and conversations.

• Create an open and supportive workplace- There are many benefits to creating an open and supportive workplace. Research shows that a positive and healthy approach to mental health can improve productivity, communication, resiliency, job satisfaction, and avoid burnout. Offer employees a safe place, person, or team to approach if they need support. Normalize talking about your feelings in front of your own team or staff and have resources available for local options including mental health support, substance abuse or domestic violence, food banks and rental assistance. Schedule a Mental Health Team Day with a fun, intentional activity like skiing, hiking, or volunteering that gets everyone out of the office for the day. Schedule a free Mental Health Training for your staff to learn about tips for recognizing and talking about mental health struggles and suicidal ideation.

• Revamp your spaces- One of the pillars of health and wellness is creating a safe space or environment where you spend your time. Spring is a great time to declutter, purge, or revamp your home, office, room, or outdoor spaces. Start small with one area or space, donate, toss, or sell unused items. If you are having trouble letting go of some things, or purchasing items because they are on sale or a good deal, dig a little deeper and work through your attachment to these items. Try houseplants or plant a garden; there are many benefits to your physical and mental health of going “green,” (learn more here). The last purge or declutter recommendation is for your friendships and relationships. Think about the people you are spending your time with, and the activities you are participating in together. Are they improving or hindering your mental health? Prioritize the relationships and activities that positively benefit you for the long-term.

• Rethink your relationship with social media- We can’t control the presence of social media in our culture, but we can rethink the way we are using it. The reality is that technology can be a very beneficial “tool” when used appropriately, but also shows negative impacts to our mental health. Research shows that certain demographics who may struggle finding connection in real life can benefit from these online friendships and connections, filing social gaps for LGBTQ+ or BIPOC individuals in rural communities. One suggestion is to simply think about how your time on social media is making you feel. Do you feel better (connected, supported, accepted) after your time online, or worse (agitated, negative body image, bullied, rejected)? Try to avoid comparisons and remember that often you are seeing “aspirational” images of others, with people showing the “best version” of themselves, and not who they truly are. Lastly- model your own social media behavior to your family and children. Communicate openly about your own social media relationship, be mindful of what you are posting, and participate in the same rules and restrictions that you implement. Try phone and device free areas and times at home or charge all devices together overnight in a neutral space. More tips for parents here.

• Reconsider your relationship with alcohol– In a recent community survey facilitated by PRCCustomResearch.com, the results showed that over 4 out of 5 residents “strongly” or “somewhat agree” that alcohol is important to most peoples’ social lives in Summit County. A “very high percentage” of residents were found to engage in “excessive drinking.” This percentage was highest among white, younger adult males. The survey also showed the impact of substance abuse in peoples’ lives in Summit County to be widespread. 70.2% of adults (twice the US average) say their own life has been directly negatively affected by someone’s substance abuse issue (their own or someone close to them). Local M1 hold hospital data also shows a direct correlation between substance abuse and mental health struggles. If you are ready to make a change in your own relationship with alcohol- make sure it is done safely, and that you find the best option for you. There are various support groups, treatment options including medical detox, and additional resources available. As a community there are opportunities for us all to make small changes. Local bars and restaurants can offer mocktails, Zero Proof and NA options (Become a Blue Run Bar). Individuals can plan for a night out with these tips. Together we can normalize more sober events in the community and support each other in this journey. More tips, resources, and statistics at Boozeless Summit.  

May can be a really hard time to live in Summit County.  We all enjoyed the first few peeks of warm weather and Spring, then overnight it is winter again. Many seasonal jobs have ended, and finances can be challenging during the slow months. Isolation can set in as friends leave town and businesses temporarily close. Our own mental health feelings live on a fluctuating continuum, and it’s important to prioritize our own wellbeing. Of course we would all love to spend our time on the “positive” side of the spectrum in a thriving state, but the reality is we will all start to dip into the “negative” side and can begin to struggle. Remember to focus on the things you can control this month like routine, sleep patterns, getting outside every day, diet, and staying connected with friends and family. Most importantly remember you are not alone this May.  Being willing and a part of these vital conversations is truly impactful. Be proud of yourself and your ongoing journey, we are in this together.