MAY 2023
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that National Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949 as a movement to increase awareness about mental health and create opportunities to advocate and build a supportive community for those struggling with mental health. President Biden recently declared a national proclamation to encourage U.S. citizens to care for one another and leave no one behind.
There is a stigma surrounding mental health conditions, so in conjunction with the president’s effort, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched the "#MoreThanEnough,” which aims to promote self-care, reduce stigma, and create a more supportive environment for those with mental health conditions.
The #MoreThanEnough campaign seeks to change this by promoting self-care and self-love as essential components of mental health. The campaign reminds us that we all deserve love and respect, regardless of our mental health status. By prioritizing our mental health needs, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and can make them feel isolated and alone.
Mental health affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately, one in four people will experience a mental health condition at some point. So if we go throughout our day and we look around, it is highly likely that we will cross paths with someone that has or has had a mental health struggle. However, despite its prevalence, mental health is still a topic that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Many people are hesitant to seek help or talk about their mental health struggles, which can prevent them from receiving the support and treatment they need to manage in healthy ways.
Conversations With A Clinician (CWAC) believes that mental health is the foundation of everything that we do in life. CWAC promotes education, resource tools and brand apparel to help to increase awareness of mental health and the struggles that we all experience. Mental health is not a solitary effort it requires community acceptance and intervention to increase awareness.
How do I promote self-care and self-love?
Here are some ways to promote self-care and self-love as essential components of mental health:
Make time for activities you enjoy and that bring you joy, such as reading, walking in nature, or indulging in a hobby.
Prioritize rest and relaxation by taking breaks from stressors, getting enough sleep, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Treat yourself with kindness, care, and understanding by practicing self-compassion, accepting your flaws and imperfections, and being gentle with yourself when you make mistakes or face challenges.
Set boundaries and say no to activities or commitments that do not serve your well-being.
Nourish your body with healthy food, exercise, and self-care practices such as massage, acupuncture, or taking a warm bath.
Connect with loved ones and build supportive relationships that promote positivity and growth.
Seek professional support when needed, such as therapy or counseling.
How can we contribute to the success of the #MoreThanEnough campaign?
As individuals, we can all contribute to the success of the #MoreThanEnough campaign by practicing the following:
Spreading the word: sharing the campaign message on social media, and talking to friends and family about the importance of mental health awareness and self-care.
Practice self-care: Take care of your own mental health needs, and encourage others to do the same. This can include things like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy.
Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions and their treatment. This can help reduce stigma and make you a more informed advocate for mental health awareness.
Be supportive: Listen without judgment and offer support and empathy to those struggling with their mental health. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
Advocate for change: Support policies and initiatives that promote mental health access and reduce stigma. Get involved with local organizations and community events that raise awareness about mental health.