Each year in May, organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) lead a national movement and awareness campaigns to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.

According to NAMI:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we call attention to mental health and its impact on overall health and well-being. We pulled together some information and resources for our readers to reference in improving their own mental health as well as in supporting others.

U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community
Social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. But today, loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the U.S., according to an advisory released by the U.S. Surgeon General on May 3. Lacking connection can increase the risk of premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the advisory. Across age groups, people are spending less time with each other in person than two decades ago. The advisory outlines how we can all contribute to improving social connection and, for the first time, outlines a framework for a national strategy to advance social connections. Check out the advisory and a list of recommendations for how individuals can foster social connection.

How to Deal with Loneliness
Cigna recommends five ways to deal with loneliness:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings of Loneliness: Acknowledge how you feel and its impact on your life. Talk to a counselor or therapist (consider using an Employee Assistance Program if your employer offers one), or with friends and family.
• Know When to Engage or Disengage From the Online World – The online world offers convenient ways to connect with others that can help if you’re trying to overcome loneliness, but it can also contribute to even greater feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Find a Volunteer Opportunity as a Way to Feel Less Lonely – Contributing your time and energy, and working alongside others for a good cause, can effectively help you in fighting loneliness.
• Join a Group or Club to Overcome Loneliness With In-Person Connections – Look for a group or club activity that matches your interests. Check out Meetup to find or create a local group.
• Practice Self-Care – Fight loneliness by exercising, eating healthy, getting proper sleep and sunshine, and meditating.

NAMI: More Than Enough
No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.

This campaign is a message of hope and inclusion. All people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, are deserving of support, resources, fulfillment and a community that cares.

Mental Health America: Look Around and Look Within
Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within to consider how the world affects mental health. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions. Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and grocery stores? MHA recommends:

• Practice tidiness – Keeping your living space clean is shown to promote calmness and a sense of control over your day-to-day life.
• Make your bedroom sleep-friendly.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Connect with a group in your area where community members share and exchange services.
• Spend time in nature. Doing so is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition.

For more recommendations, download MHA’s toolkit of free, practical resources, including information about how an individual’s environment impacts their mental health, suggestions for making changes to improve and maintain mental well-being, and how to seek help for mental health challenges.

Presidential Proclamation for National Mental Health Awareness Month
On April 28, President Biden proclaimed May National Mental Health Awareness Month, calling upon “citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to join in activities and take action to strengthen the mental health of our communities and our Nation.” His proclamation stated, “During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor the absolute courage of the tens of millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, and we celebrate the loved ones and mental health professionals who are there for them every day. Treatment works, and there is no shame in seeking it.  Together, we will keep fighting to get everyone access to the care they need to live full and happy lives.”

Other Resources