Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. Nearly one in five Americans live with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
When thinking about diversity, equity and inclusion issues, mental health might not always be top of mind. However, a recent Forbes article stated, “Employees from diverse backgrounds can face a lack of representation, micro-aggressions, unconscious bias, and other stressors that impact their mental health and psychological safety at work.”
As we take this month to raise awareness, it is important to recognize that stigma can be a barrier to talking about this issue, especially in the workplace. Beth Markley is the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Markley said employers play the most important role in supporting people’s mental health needs. Companies and managers should provide employee assistance benefits and give employees time off when caring for someone dealing with a mental health issue.
Mental health is as important as physical health. It’s important for supervisors and members of leadership to let their employees know that sick days are available to use for all kinds of family medical and health issues, including mental health.
Practicing Self-Care
Practicing self-care does not mean you are choosing yourself over your loved ones. It means that you are simply being mindful of your own needs, so you are better able to support the people you care about. When mindful of your needs, you can better support the people you care about.
Annette March-Grier is a 2014 CNN Hero and the founder of Roberta’s House, a bereavement center in Baltimore, Maryland. March-Grier stresses the importance of putting yourself first to enhance mental well-being.
Everyone is looking for some kind of balance, yet few are finding it. Your state of mind is where it all begins. Make self-care a priority for your mental wellness. “Self-care is not selfish.” It is a truth that if you don’t take care of yourself, you will have nothing to give others. This includes healthy relationships that can be jeopardized because of stress, burnout, and lack of self-care. Your physical health is also connected to your mental health. Negative thoughts and suppression of these can overtime lead to disease.
Annette March-Grier
Upcoming Event
Mental Health First Aid
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Beebe HealthCare is partnering with the University of Delaware to offer free Mental Health First Aid training.
May 18, 2023, OR June 16, 2023, online with 2-hour pre-work and 9:00-3:30 via Zoom
Registration is limited, so please register early. Register here.
Resources at the University of Delaware
- Center for Counseling & Student Development
- Employee Mental Health Resources
- DEI & Inclusive Leadership Trainings from Academic Impressions
- LinkedIn Learning – Mental Health and Well-Being
- Purposeful App
2023 Mental Health Month Toolkit
This #MentalHealthMonth, Mental Health America invites you to #LookAroundLookWithin to learn how your surroundings impact mental health. Learn more: mhanational.org/may
