WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

May is popularly known as mental health awareness month. It was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

To contribute to mental health awareness month, you can learn, act and, advocate for mental health. Here are some of the ways that you can contribute to mental health awareness month:

1. Support a mental health organization – There are so many organizations that work to support mental health. You can support such organizations by volunteering, buying their merchandise and donating money to support their mission.
2. Create mental health awareness - A lot of stigma that still surrounds mental health especially in African countries such as Kenya. Therefore, to create awareness on mental health, you can create content and educate the community that you come from by demystifying myths and misconceptions on mental health.
3. Share your mental health experience – Mental health stigma is great barrier that prevents most people from seeking help due to fear of being shamed. When you openly share your experience, people who have a mental illness may feel less alone and seek appropriate care. Please share you experience with others to reduce mental health stigma. Mental health illness should not be something we are ashamed of.
4. Educate yourself – You can take a course, attend and engage in meetings, volunteer at a mental health organization, do your research online or follow mental health professionals on social media. Raising awareness on mental health is not only for professionals.
5. Nurture and prioritize your mental health – Mental health includes your social, emotional, physical and psychological well-being. To nurture your own mental health you can start therapy, take care of your physical wealth, start journaling, sleep well, eat healthy, stay connected and practice gratitude among other self-care practices.

However you decide to support and contribute to mental health, remember that Mental Health Month is an opportunity to make a positive impact on mental health.

Lots of Love

Marylyn Ochillo