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Turn Awareness Into Action for Mental Health Awareness Month
Each May, we join with organizations and groups across the country to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with the goal of reducing stigma, increasing awareness about the importance of mental health, and encouraging people to prioritize their own wellness and self-care.
This year, we are asking you to Turn Awareness Into Action by taking concrete steps towards health and wellness for yourself, your community, and for everyone – not just in May, but all year long.
Mental health for you
Mental health starts with YOU. Self-care is an investment in your health and wellness. Your own mental health must be watered and nurtured before you can effectively support others. As the saying goes: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Ways to take action:
Check in with yourself.
How are you feeling today? Consider starting a self-care routine, such as journaling, meditation, exercising, prioritizing rest, and cooking healthy food. Check out our blog for more self-care ideas.
Normalize asking for help.
Therapy, support groups, or talking to a trusted friend are all valid ways to process what you're going through.
Set boundaries.
Whether it’s limiting screen time, saying no to draining commitments, or carving out time to rest—boundaries protect your peace. .
Practice self-compassion.
Be gentle with yourself. Remember, you’re doing the best you can.
Be mindful.
Mindfulness is a practice of being fully present in the moment and aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings without getting caught up in them. Studies show that practicing mindfulness can improve your mental and physical health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and strengthening emotional regulation. Yoga can be one way to blend mindfulness with physical movement. If you live near Broomfield, Lafayette, or Longmont, Colorado, then we invite you to join our Community Health Workers at your local library to participate in free Monthly Mindfulness Activities – such as building a birdhouse, painting a kindness rock, and more. Learn more
Get help from a professional.
Also, remember that needing professional mental health help is not a weakness or something to be ashamed of. In fact, it is a sign of strength and courage. Unlike physical healthcare, there is often shame and judgement around seeking mental healthcare. Overcoming this social stigma shows that you are prioritizing your own health and wellness, and that you are willing to face difficult things head-on.
Here at Clinica, we offer a wide range of expert mental health services – ranging from individual/group therapy and wellness groups to intensive outpatient programs and 24/7 crisis support. When you become a client, we will assess your individual needs and goals to determine the best programs and services for you.
Take action by prioritizing your own mental health—not just this month, but always.
Mental health for your community
Your mental health is deeply personal, but it is also shaped by the people around you – such as your family, friends, pets, and community. Finding (or creating) supportive social communities can be just as vital to your mental health as self-care, therapy, and other individual treatments. Regardless of whether you are an introvert or extrovert, we are all hardwired to crave connection with others.
Ways to take action:
Talk openly about mental health.
When we speak up, we reduce stigma. Being open and honest about your own mental health journey will inspire and encourage others to do the same.
Take a mental health training.
Be proactive by learning tips, tricks, and best practices from mental health experts so that you can apply those in your life and better support the mental health of your family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and community. Many organizations provide these classes for free or low cost, with virtual and in-person options. For starters, check out our upcoming mental health trainings.
Start or support peer groups.
Book clubs, men’s/women’s groups, parenting circles—any space where people can connect and talk is a step toward collective care.
Check on your people.
A quick “thinking of you” text or call can go a long way.
Advocate for mental health days at school or work.
Normalize rest and recovery, not just productivity.
Building a culture of mental wellness in your community starts with how you show up for others.
Mental health for all
In addition to investing in mental health for yourself and in your community, you can advocate for systemic support of mental health care. We live in a society that tends to elevate physical health above a person’s mental and emotional health. But the reality is the health of your body and mind are interconnected in so many ways – some of which we are only just beginning to understand.
Mental health IS health, which is why it’s important that every person has access to the mental health care they need.
Advocacy is an important form of action you can take to support mental health – especially in this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Your voice matters. Now is the perfect time to let your leaders, policymakers, and government officials know that you value mental health services being available and accessible to all.
Ways to take action:
Support policies that increase access to care.
From protecting Medicaid to making mental health services affordable for all, your voice is needed now more than ever! Your elected officials work for YOU, so don’t forget to use your civic voice by asking your leaders to support the issues you care about. Visit our Advocacy in Action article for a list of actions you can take today to make your voice heard.
Donate or volunteer with mental health nonprofits.
Your time, voice, or money can help increase our impact.
Vote with mental health in mind.Research candidates and ballot measures that prioritize mental health access for all.
Stay informed.
Knowledge is power! To better understand the challenges facing mental health providers in your area and what you can do to help, find your local community mental health or health center and join their email list and/or following them on social media. If you live in Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, or Gilpin counties, we invite you scroll down to the bottom of this page to subscribe to our monthly Community Update e-newsletter and follow us on socials.
Ready, Set, Action!
Join us in making this Mental Health Awareness Month about more than just awareness. Let’s take action—on every level—and build a future where everyone has the support they need to thrive.
What’s one action you will take today?