World Mental Health Day

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In honor of World Mental Health Day, I wanted to focus on the specific theme: “Mental Health in an Unequal World.’ I have always loved sunflowers. They resemble traits such as happiness and optimism as their roots are within the soil, gaining nourishment that allows them to be supported as they grow strong, enjoying the sunshine and opening towards the lights as they become nourished. Once they reach this stage in their growth, people begin to be attracted to its beauty aligning with others naturally and authentically. The Sun provides nourishment and energy for a healthy life leading them back to rest until the cycle begins again. While everyone is enduring their own set of trials and tribulations, there is inequality within this world. If we can teach others simple and affordable ways to optimize there well-being, the world will be a better place. Below are some facts regarding the current mental health pandemic, followed by some easily accessible ways to incorporate activities that boost our well-being.

“75% to 95% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high-income countries is not much better.”

Every 40 seconds, someone dies from suicide. Mental disorders come in many different forms, ranging from anxiety disorders to depression.

In fact, depression is the leading cause of disability. 

Five options that help aid in one’s well-being include,

‘Seek Professional Help,’ ‘Talk to Others,’ ‘Take Action,’ ‘Be Kind to Yourself’ or ‘Treat Yourself.’

With everything going on right now, it is more important than ever to find easily accessible ways to optimize our mental health. This year’s theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World. In honor of this theme, I wanted to focus on a tool that is easily accessible for everyone. 

Ten Ways to support your mental health:

1. Morning routine: Having a morning routine in place can provide the space to incorporate simple tasks that set the foundation for your day.
2. Meditation: the practice of catching spiraling thoughts and bringing yourself back to the present moment, without judgement which includes but is not limited to:
   1. Breathwork
   2. Mantras/affirmations
   3. Walking (connecting with the Earth)
   4. Prayer
   5. Time spent in nature
3. Reading
4. Yoga: Yoga with Adrienne provides many free guided yoga practices.
5. Spend time with supportive people
6. Gratitude
7. Journaling: This allows for you to reflect and release any emotions that are remaining trapped.
8. Writing out a to-do list
9. Make time for rest: your body needs rest in order to perform in optimal ways. A saying that resonates with me is, “if you don’t pick a day to rest, your body will pick it for you”
10. Medicinal mushrooms: this form of immune support provides a multitude of benefits ranging from anxiety relief to immune support. Comment below or click the link if you are interested in learning more 🙂

If you are looking for ways to improve your mental health, I encourage you to implement grounding activities and nourish your soul with the things that bring you light. If someone needs guidance and comes across your path, be like a sunflower and show them some light. Anyone can be an activist. It takes a willing soul to shed some light and help others bloom.

SOURCES: 

• https://wfmh.global/2021-world-mental-health-global-awareness-campaign-world-mental-health-day-theme/ 
• Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 37 , Issue 4: Themed Issue: COVID-19 and Mental Health , December 2020 , pp. 256 – 258 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2020.38
•  https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/wmhd-2021-resources/ 
• https://viableoutreach.com/what-to-know-world-mental-health-day-2021/

ADDITIONAL FREE RESOURCES:

• https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadriene
• https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/free-online-resources-for-mental-illness 
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help