Page 6 - ROOT by Brock May June 26

Focus on Wellne : MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH MAY

Going to the doctor when you are sick or in health challenges with the same honesty used Take time this month to care for your own
need of treatment usually does not come with when discussing physical health can help mental health. That might mean scheduling
stigma. Mental health professionals hope the normalize the experience. The organization a massage, easing into a workout routine,
same will be true for mental health care. When also suggests: practicing breathing exercises, or leaning on
that happens, everyone feels empowered to • Sharing personal mental health stories on friends and family for support.
seek help and support their well-being without social media In May, give the mental health of your
fear or shame. community, your loved ones, and yourself the
• Spreading images and resources that
After World War II, Mental Health America promote awareness attention it deserves.
created Mental Health Awareness Month
to bring attention to emotional and • Starting a conversation with someone who Source:
psychological well-being. While society is may be struggling, using trusted guides https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/
paying more attention to mental health, with for support https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/
1 in 5 adults in the United States experiencing Mental Health Awareness Month is also a good mental-health-awareness-month
mental illness each year, there is still work to time to address challenges you or someone https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/
be done. May is a time to focus on reducing close to you may be facing. Many health mental-illness
stigma and encouraging open conversations. insurance plans cover mental health services,

Mental Health America encourages individuals and non-profit organizations and government

to share their stories. Speaking about mental agencies often o er free or a ordable care.

on the rise: MOVEMENT FOR MENTAL CLARITY
Mens sana in corpore sano. “A healthy mind per week was associated with a lower risk of awareness of breathing, posture, and body
in a healthy body” is the English translation of dementia. The more consistent the activity, sensations. These practices can ease stress and
this Latin text written more than 2,000 years the greater the potential benefi t. promote mental focus.
ago. It was true then, and it still holds true Movement supports brain health at any age. There are many ways to stay active. Choose
today. Modern research continues to show Studies suggest that areas of the brain involved activities you enjoy and build a routine that
that physical fi tness plays an important role in in decision-making and memory may be larger keeps both your mind and your body engaged.
mental and emotional well-being. in people who exercise regularly. By reducing Source:
Doctors now recommend movement to stress and supporting better mood and sleep, https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/boost-
maintain mental clarity. Learning to play physical activity can improve memory and brain-health.html
an instrument can challenge the brain, but thinking. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-simply-
exercise may o er even greater benefi ts. You do not have to break a sweat to support moving-benefi ts-your-mental-health-201603289350

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that your brain. Meditative forms of movements https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/small-amounts-of-
moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity-are-associated-
as little as 35 minutes of moderate exercise with-big-reductions-in-dementia-risk
such as tai chi, yoga, and qigong encourage