The stress of finals, the hopes of the summer, the tiredness from clubs or sports, the pressure of doing your absolute best, these are all things students struggle with. But they should all be dealt with as well.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, an organization called Mental Health America, started this monthly occurrence. You might be thinking, why? Well, just think about it! Trying to balance multiple things at once can be time consuming and can cause anxiety especially as a student in high school. Your mental health, which is categorized as “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being,” it tremendously vital. It is important to be aware that you are having a hard time and possibly need help, no matter how big or small of a task. In fact sometimes the little ones make all the difference!
Talking to a friend, teacher, guidance counselor, family member, doctor, or therapist are just some of the ways you can ask for help or tell someone you are struggling. Asking for help doesn’t make you seem weak either, this is just making you stronger mentally and physically acknowledging you have too much on your plate and you need some assistance. Don’t fret, there are countless people willing to help!
This year’s theme for the month is “Turn Awareness into Action” meaning, advocate for the cause. A way of doing this is remembering the Five C’s:
- To have support gain a connection.
- Loving of oneself and being kind to others: compassion.
- Finding healthy ways to handle situations or habits: coping.
- Volunteering in the community and finding a mutual purpose.
- Taking care of yourself and asking for help: care.
Reiterate in your mind that everyone deals with struggles physically and mentally. However, no one has to be alone in all they might encounter. Seek help, give back to the community, find love for yourself, try to be kind to others, and think of this easy slogan provided by brightervision.com; Nourish Your Mind, Nourish Your Life.
