Reducing Stigmas in Mental Health Awareness Month
Overview: May is the month to raise awareness for those living with mental health traumas and help them reduce the stigma.
Every year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with mental illness. According to National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), every one in five individuals is facing mental health issues – and they fear that the number may increase should they not address it.
People take care of their overall physical health, neglecting mental health since it’s something people refrain from talking about. Being aware of your overall health is essential, but if you detect some symptoms, seek professional help when it’s an absolute necessity.
Showing individuals respect, acceptance, and the satisfaction of being heard may help them cope with their condition.
Together for mental health:
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. stands with you to eliminate the stigma around mental health, which has long existed. Although there is a constant evolution, people still hesitate to talk about their struggles to their loved ones out of fear of being judged or receiving an unwanted backlash.
Logically speaking, when we’re hurt, we seek medical treatment – this applies to both physical and mental health.
With every one in five adults in the United States suffering from mental health illness, that’s 18.5% as a whole – with one in five teenagers being a victim of severe mental health disorders, which makes it 21.4% of the entire population.
Sounds alarming, but mental health isn’t something to romanticize, nor is it a prejudice – it affects men and women of all social classes, ages, regional groups, and economic statuses.
History of Mental Health Awareness Month:
Tracing back to the history of mental health awareness month, we find people celebrating it in 1949.
Commemorated by National Mental Health Association and formed by Clifford Whittingham Beers, this month is observed due to the autobiographical reasons of Beers, who had to spend a reasonable amount of time in mental institutes. From this hospital admittance, Beers discovered the notorious reputation of mental illness, maltreatment, and biases.
We can’t name a specific reason that might be the cause since multiple factors play together to bring about changes in a person’s mental health.
How to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month:
One of the best ways to celebrate this month is to break the patterns – talk about mental health and how you suffer from it with a trusted professional.
Talking might initially seem scary, but it can help those around you understand how you feel, and might also help you may come across the realization that there are many people who are going through the same thing, but are quiet about it – because, just like you, they also fear being judged.
We encourage you to empower yourself and your loved ones to stand up for yourselves and speak up against the negligence shown to mental health with the campaign #Mentalhealthempowersyou!
Take care of yourself:
We know that life has ups and downs, but what matters the most is how you get up and support yourself. Seek treatment or consult a psychologist. To ensure a confidential consultation, feel free to reach out to us.
What Does Shapiro Aim For This Month?
This year’s campaign #mentalhealthempowersyou is encouraging individuals around to let go of the hate they feel about themselves and focus on the following healthy aspects:
- Focus on uninterrupted sleep for 8 hours.
- Take 3 meals a day.
- Avoid sugar and beverages.
- Avoid excessive alcohol (once in a blue moon is fine).
- Consume green veggies, whole grains, oats, and organic food items.
- Drink at least 3 liters of water.
- Choose food options containing natural probiotics, including yogurt, milk, kefir, cheese, etc.
- Engage in physical activity – cycling, running, jogging, weight lifting, or even aerobics.
We’re sure that you’ll improve your physical health by following these steps. When you’re physically healthy, you’re ready to rock the stage. Let’s move to the emotional health part now.
- Stay away from toxic people, toxic relationships, and thoughts
- Engage in conversations that are positive and healthy for your well-being.
- Practice meditation daily.
- Define your goals and work hard to achieve them.
- Learn to manage your anxiety and stress.
- Less screen time and more in-person time.
- Take time for yourself.
- LOVE YOURSELF (we can’t emphasize more on it more).
For May, Shapiro challenges you to adopt these healthy habits to promote a healthy lifestyle and vital well-being. You’ll be surprised to see how changes in practices change things around you.
This is the aim of this month: the stigmas attached to this topic have already caused a lot of damage, and people are looking out for extreme ways to end the agony. Let’s promise to help at least one person in our surroundings and make sure to break the cycle.
Promoting a Positive Morning for Mental Health Awareness:
- Sleep early.
- Get up early in the morning.
- Take a glass of regular water.
- Go for a jog.
- Meditate.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
- Fill up a bottle of water and go to work/college.
With that being said, you should never forget that there’s a power within you, waiting for you to explore it.
Do things that make you happy – help a kid with their homework, cook healthy and tasty meals for yourself and your family, and don’t forget to talk about the things that disrupt the peace of your mind.
IN SUMMARY:
The brain is the chairperson behind the office of the human body. Feed it with positive thoughts and energy to function well so it reciprocates the best. It’s said that reciprocal giving leads to continuation, and we strongly agree with that. What you give to your brain, will come back to you, so make sure that whatever you do, it always promotes secure brain development.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.