Mental Health Awareness Month: Where Do We Begin?
May 7, 2024Mental Health Awareness Month: Where do we begin?
Last week, we focused on the question: what is mental health? This week, we are going to begin getting into how mental health shows up in daily life and how we, as individuals, can support one another. To start, let’s do a little reflection. When someone asks you, “How are you?” what is your gut reaction? If you’re thinking of words such as “good,” “fine,” or “busy,” you’re not alone. So often, this question is asked in an obligatory, small-talk fashion. We answer and ask in return and are often met with a similar response. What might it look like to show up in these conversations differently?
In our busy lives, many of us are on autopilot as we run from one thing to the next. This week, there is an invitation to slow down and practice some intentionality. The “to do” exercise below walks through having a more thoughtful, “how are you?” exchange that will elevate the conversation from social politeness to genuine connection. Why does this matter? The reality is that many people are walking around, isolated and struggling, wishing that someone would ask how they are doing. Mental health conversations save lives, whether they happen in classrooms, workplaces, city streets, dinner tables, or therapists’ offices. While most of us do not have the clinical background to counsel another person, we can all learn tips and strategies to actively listen, show support, and share resources when needed.
To Watch
In this video, actress Kristen Bell talks about her journey toward openly speaking about her struggles with anxiety and depression. May this inspire you to answer authentically when someone asks how you’re doing.
To Read
Learn about and practice active listening skills in this article published by The Center for Creative Leadership or consider active listening with children in this article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To-Do (Weekly Challenge)
Check out this Mental Health Conversations exercise that provides some space to reflect and then move into actionable practice.
Bonus! A Resource
Part of checking in and being a good steward of mental health is being aware of and observing the 5 Signs of Suffering. This resource can be printed and displayed or simply used as a personal reference.
See you next week for more information, resources, and activities! In the meantime, cheers to a great week of self and community care.
Looking to engage further or have questions? Please contact Katie Soule, Director of Social and Emotional well-being, at ksoule@graniteymca.org.
