Mental Health Awareness Month 2024: Where to Start
Since 1949, in the United States, May has been considered Mental Health Month, an anniversary promoted by the Mental Health America association, which has been committed to responding to the needs of those living with psychological distress since 1909.
Each year, Mental Health America provides institutions with tools and knowledge related to Mental Health, with the aim of promoting the well-being of the general population.
Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World
This year's theme is âWhere to Start: Mental Health in a Changing Worldâ, to emphasise how a constantly changing world can impact on people's Mental Health, who can often feel overwhelmed by what is happening around them.
It is easy to understand how relationships, family and work affect mental well-being. However, it is often overlooked how external factors such as climate change, the economy and the social context can play an important role in people's mental and physical balance. Thus, while awareness of Mental Health issues has increased in society, it can still be difficult to understand âwhere to startâ when it comes to taking care of one's psychological well-being.
Learn, Act, Advocate: the three Focuses
Learn
In order to fully understand how the outside world affects Mental Health, it is important to know the factors that are at play. Some are under our control, others less so. In both cases, however, there are protective measures to prevent unhealthy situations or to prevent them from getting worse.
This is why becoming informed about the subject and the existing tools available to protect oneself is essential. It is common to experience difficult moments and to make use of the possibility of asking for help. It can be an important first step to break down the feeling of loneliness and get in touch with others.
Act
There are several action strategies to improve Mental Health regardless of the situation one is facing. Knowing when to turn to friends, family, colleagues or counselling professionals while going through a difficult time can help improve one's psychological well-being.
Changes are often difficult and it is inevitable that one will face them in the course of one's life. That is why it is important to find strategies to help cope with these moments. Learning to accept what you cannot control and prioritising your mental well-being.
Advocate
The promotion of greater awareness on Mental Health issues also passes through the daily actions of each person. There are things that everyone in their own small way can do to raise awareness and improve the common perception of the importance of taking care of oneself.
Talking about it is a powerful first step in breaking down stigma and promoting prejudice-free conversations. Everyone's commitment in promoting change can be fundamental to reach important common goals.
As Stimulus Italia we will actively participate in the promotion of these three focuses within organisations, with specific awareness-raising and training activities, to build an increasingly inclusive, responsible and serene world of work.
Edited by
Marco Florio, Marisabel Iacopino e Valentina Marchionno
Team Psicologi di Stimulus Italia
