While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. It’s another day to remember the importance of taking care of our mental health. The World Health Organization’s theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”
Mental Health – Not A New Issue
And although mental health is not a new issue, it definitely has seen a rise in awareness. We saw a huge rise during the pandemic. Perhaps with so many people stuck in quarantine, or simply a major change in routine, many became more aware of issues they were battling. And while you may not be affected personally, chances are there is someone in your life that’s struggling.
The world we live in is fast-paced, and the pressure is on every day. With such high stress in our work and even our personal lives, it’s no surprise that anxiety and depression have seen an increase.
In fact, we’ve even seen many celebrities address their mental health struggles through social media and interviews. And some have even canceled or postponed appearances or shows.
Fight The Stigma
While there is still some stigma around mental health, we have seen changes. There’s a wealth of information and resources available at our fingertips. Back in May, we shared some of those resources available here in Augusta.
Mental health is just as important as our physical health. And mental illness does not discriminate. While often it can feel hard to talk about our struggles, it’s important to remember you are not alone. And there are so many people who want to help.
Even if you don’t struggle, remember those who do. It’s up to us to fight the stigma, educate ourselves, provide our support, and advocate for those who may not have the strength themselves.
And take care of yourself. Maybe you’re in a great place, but it can always change. We spread ourselves too thin, we overcommit, and tend to feel our worth is dependent on how much we get done.