May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I have been reflecting on how the past year has affected everyone. Isn’t it interesting how similar experiences can impact each person’s mental health so differently? We hear stories of some who thrive while studying or working at home, while others suffer from isolation or unhealthy living conditions.
What determines our mental health — or “state of mind”— is as unique as each of us. No one can tell us what will work for us; only we can know based on how we feel. For some, losing themselves in a good book is the answer. For others, it is playing an instrument or writing a poem. The creativity that I have seen during this past year as people have found ways to keep mentally healthy is inspiring. It is also a testament that safeguarding our mental health is not always easy and requires our time and attention.
For me, the answer is running. Difficult as it is some mornings to leave the warmth and comfort of my bed, knowing that I have a good friend waiting for me and a dog that needs the exercise is what gets me up and out the door. Running along our wonderful greenbelt or up in our hills, being out in nature during the early morning hours, is therapeutic for me.
During May, as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope you have figured out what works for you. And sometimes, it requires reaching out for help. For those that have found the past year triggering due to unhealthy living conditions, relationships, or worse, please know that you are not alone. We are here to help. Our hotline is always available and completely confidential.
Your mental health is too important not to make it a priority.
