May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, this annual monthly movement has served as a time to show support, break stigma, and educate the public around mental health conditions. Mental health conditions can affect anyone — regardless of age or background. And, unfortunately, recent data show that our country is facing an unprecedented national mental health crisis, with one in five people experiencing a mental health condition in any given year. Additionally, about half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lives, with symptoms starting by age 14 for the majority of people. This month provides an excellent opportunity to:
- Educate yourself about mental health conditions, treatment options, and other resources.
- Reduce stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health.
- Seek help if you are struggling with your mental health. Encourage those around you to do the same.
- Create safe environments for open conversations about mental health.
What Factors Affect My Mental Health?
There are many things that can impact a person’s mental health. These include relationships, the pressures of work or school, loneliness, or other factors that are often out of one’s control. Some less obvious causes could include the economy, politics, technology, and other current events. Especially in today’s world, screens and social media can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. 
What Steps Can I Take to Improve my Mental Health?
If you are struggling with your mental health, it is common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. Sometimes, reaching out to friends and loved ones can be the first step in improving your mental health, as loneliness can take a huge toll on your overall well-being. There are countless other ways to improve your mental health, including:
- Taking a break from screen time. Spending lots of time on social media or devices can impact your self-esteem and mental and physical wellness.
- Developing coping skills. Change is a constant in life, which is why it is critical to learn coping skills that can help you process and accept these changes.
- Practicing Self Care. Certain habits (exercise, journaling, mediation, practicing gratitude etc.) can help you maintain your mental health. This can look different for everyone, so figuring out what works best for you is critical to developing a good routine.
Mental Health Awareness Month with New Perspective Counseling
Keep up with our blog this month as we share resources and tips for how to support your mental health this month and beyond. At New Perspective Counseling, we are committed to providing caring, professional and effective services to promote your mental wellness. Learn more about our therapy services here.