Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to raise awareness about mental health disorders. The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to educate the public on the importance of mental health and promote access to mental health resources and support. This nationwide holiday was first celebrated in 1949, commemorated by the Mental Health America organization. Since then, organizations, communities and people have come together to educate and inform on the importance of mental health.
5 tips to boost your mental health
Stay active and exercise
Physical activity has been known to have many benefits, not only to your physical health but also to your mental health. Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety through release of feel-good endorphins. Researchers have found that those who regularly exercise are 25% less likely to develop an anxiety or depression disorder over the next five years (1).Improve your sleep habits
Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health, and poor sleep can have a significant negative impact on mental health. People who get inadequate sleep are at higher risk of mental distress, and a chronic lack of sleep can lead to anxiety and depression (2).Get creative
Creativity can be a positive outlet for people with mental disorders or those facing mental distress. Some benefits of art and creativity for mental health include improving memory, reducing stress, developing better self-esteem, creating better coping habits, and decreasing depression and anxiety (3).Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Eating a healthy diet has numerous benefits for physical health but can also have a significant positive impact on mental health. Processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation throughout the body, as well as contribute to anxiety and depression. To boost your mental health, try incorporating plenty of dark leafy green vegetables, fruits and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon (4).Connect with others
Social connections are essential for good mental health. Connecting with others brings a sense of belonging and provides a sense of community and support, which can improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation. One study researched how access to social activities affected adults over the age of 50, finding that those who belonged to social groups and participated in social activities had better emotional regulation, memory, processing speed and verbal fluency (5).
Sources:
Exercise for Stress and Anxiety. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, 28 Oct. 2022, https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety#:~:text=Exercise%20may%20improve%20mental%20health%20by%20helping%20the,an%20anxiety%20disorder%20over%20the%20next%20five%20years.
Summer, Jay. “Eight Health Benefits of Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 15 Apr. 2022, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/benefits-of-sleep.
Nittle, Nadra. “The Link between Depression and Creativity.” Verywell Mind, 20 Feb. 2023, https://www.verywellmind.com/the-link-between-depression-and-creativity-5094193.
“Eating Well for Mental Health.” Sutter Health, https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/nutrition/eating-well-for-mental-health.
Smith, Lauren. “3 Health Perks of Socializing (Even If You're an Introvert).” GoodRx, 27 Feb. 2022, https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/health-benefits-socializing.