Mental Health Awareness and the Importance of Nutrition

Welcome to May and Mental Health Awareness Month — This is an important time to take a moment to reflect on the importance of taking care of yourself, especially your mental health. This also hits home as a family member took his own life a few weeks ago, and we are now seeing the heart-wrenching effects it is having on the entire family. It is a solemn reminder of how precious life is and that we need to keep checking in with each other no matter what season of life we’re in.

As many as one in five adults in the United States live with depression or mental illness, yet many people fail to recognize the warning signs or seek help when they need it. This month is an opportunity for all of us to be mindful of how we can take better care of ourselves inside and out so that we can lead happier and healthier lives before it is too late.

One way to promote better mental health for yourself and others is to become cognizant of the indicators. Many people suffer without even realizing what’s going on, so it is important to be able to recognize the signs in yourself and others. Some common warning signs include:

- Feeling numb, hopeless, helpless, or worthless

- Experiencing excessive anxiety or fear

- Isolating yourself from friends and family

- Abusing drugs or alcohol

- Engaging in self-destructive behaviors

It’s okay to not be okay . . . if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek help from a professional counselor or therapist. Mental health problems can be extremely difficult to manage on your own, and professional support can make a huge difference in how you feel and function.

Another important way to promote better mental health is to take care of yourself inside and out. This means making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep each night. Additionally, it’s crucial to find ways to reduce stress in your life and practice regular self-care. Some effective strategies for self-care include workouts (my favorite is walking/running/hiking), meditation, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. By taking care of your mind and body…

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