3 Ways to Take Action for Your Mental Health
Over the last several years, our culture has begun to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, allowing space for people to discuss their challenges more openly and without fear of judgment. People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health, but awareness on its own isn’t enough. Treating mental health as health requires action.
Here are a few ways that you can take action to support your mental health.
Start Small: Many of us are aware that action is an essential part of maintaining mental health but we don’t know how or where to begin. And figuring out that first meaningful action can become the most difficult part of a mental health journey, as it is easy to become overwhelmed.
If you find yourself unsure of how to start prioritizing your mental wellbeing through action, just remember that something as simple as taking a break or drinking a glass of water serves as a fantastic beginning towards mental wellness.
No matter where you are in your journey, the best thing you can do for your mental health is take action. If you are unsure how to begin, Give an Hour provides Emotional Well-Being Resources for understanding emotional distress.
Accessible Resources: A study from 2018 showed that more than 75 percent of Americans view mental health as important as physical health, with 56 percent seeking help for their mental health. And yet, for many of us, the resources we have access to prove to be insufficient.
But that is starting to change, as an increasing number of organizations are bridging the gap between mental health needs and resources. Vibrant is just one the many organizations working tirelessly to provide everyone with the necessary mental health resources, including crisis lines and coping tips. The nonprofit is also encouraging people to reach out to legislators to provide funding support for 988, a Nationwide Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Number.
Ask for Help: This one is simple. Sometimes, a person knows they need help but isn’t willing to admit it to themselves or anyone else. As a result, they endure their mental health conditions entirely on their own without taking any meaningful action towards improving their mental health on a daily basis.
That is why the need to take action on mental health is so urgent, and the sooner we can admit that everyone needs help, the sooner we can all begin to support and encourage each other as we move forward on our path towards wellbeing. It’s always important to remind ourselves that we are not alone in our struggles. Bring Change to Mind is one organization that highlights and allows people to share their mental health stories.
Join us on Mental Health Action Day and take action to support your mental health. No matter how big or how small that first action is, you can take pride in knowing you have begun the lifelong journey of caring for your mental wellbeing.
Need help now?
If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, you’re not alone. There are lots of free, confidential resources available 24/7.
