
Mental Health Awareness Month: A Path to Wellness
Proverbs 11:14
“Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety”
As we enter a new year, it’s important to recognize the importance of mental health and take the time to care for our mental health. With January being known as Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a constant reminder to prioritize our mental health and take practical steps to improving our mental health.
Understanding Mental Health & Debunking the Misconceptions
Our Mental health affects our emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational and psychological well being. It affects how we think, feel, act, how we relate to others, and how we maneuver through stress.
Mental health has been surrounded by stigma for years - especially in our community. There was a lack of awareness as well as avoidance regarding mental health. In today's day and age there's a big shift in more communities having an awareness regarding mental health and additional resources to aid those affected. It’s time to proceed on with this conversation transparently, breaking down the stigma barriers.
Ways to Prioritizing your Mental Health in 2025
Consistent Self-Care
Take care of yourself by creating healthy sustainable habits that nurture your well-being. Taking care of yourself is about creating healthy sustainable habits that nurture your well-being. Self-care can be taking a walk, not doing anything work related on the weekends, setting boundaries, or taking a mental health day. You can't give from a half empty cup; so having a self care routine allows you to show up as your best self, ensures your “cup” is full, and adds balance to your life.
Seek Support and Resources
With the ebbs and flows of life we all could sometimes use support.Talking to a licensed professional can be very beneficial and give you guidance and tools needed to navigate challenges. Whether your support is from your community, a licensed professional or a peer, don't be afraid to seek it!
Practice Mindfulness
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”
What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is about being present in the now, being where your feet are planted. You can practice mindfulness about meditating, journaling, practicing gratitude, and breathing exercises. Utilizing mindfulness helps to create a bubble of peace in the midst of chaos, and reduce stress.
Get and Stay Active
Physical activity is phenomenal for our mental health. Consistent exercise isn't just good for the heart, its good for our mental and emotional wellbeing too! It clears our head and reduces anxiety which enhances your mood.
Reduce Social Media Intake
We all love watching Tik Tok and scrolling through Instagram! Who doesn't? While social media can be entertaining it can also be detrimental to our mental health by creating feelings of comparison and inadequacy. Sometimes it's helpful to unplug by taking a regular break from social media once in a while and focusing on things that give you fulfillment and nourishment.
Why It's Important
When we invest in our mental health, we improve our resilience, emotional bandwidth, and our emotional regulation. Our mental well being affects different areas of our lives and once it improves other areas will improve as well. Be sure to seek support whether its from a professional or a community that can provide counsel and consideration.
Explore our resources:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Mental Health Warmline The Clear Warm Line can be reached at 1 (800) 945-1355. Hours: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST Every night of the year including holidays.
For immediate help:
Call 999
Call 111 and select option 2
Call Samaritans for free 24/7 on 116 123