Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising attention and reducing the stigma around mental health issues. In today’s world, it has become more important than ever for people to take care of their mental well-being and do their part to foster a compassionate society where people feel empowered to seek support.
“Mental illness is no different than any other chronic illness,” said Dr. Dee Barfield, interim chief medical officer and vice president of Medical Management for Louisiana Blue. “Fortunately, there is so much treatment available today. That can range from therapy or lifestyle changes all the way to medications and newer types of treatment. There’s always an option.”
Dr. Barfield said many people today better understand that mental illness can take many forms, from depression and anxiety to substance use disorders or severe conditions such as schizophrenia. That increased dialogue can also help people differentiate between an emotional reaction to a situation and something more long-lasting that may benefit from treatment.
“Anyone can have a blue day, but if you start having weeks where you are feeling blue, that might be a time to think about seeing a provider,” Dr. Barfield said. “Also, think about if you are not finding pleasure anymore in activities you used to enjoy, and that feeling persists for a while. I encourage people to also think about their responses to an event. If something happens that makes you sad or upset and you can’t quite pick up the pieces and move on even if it has been a long time, then it may be worth talking to someone about that.”
Here are some other key points Dr. Barfield encouraged people to remember during Mental Health Awareness Month:
There is a strong connection between mental and physical health.
Dr. Barfield said a person’s mental health can affect their physical well-being in various ways. A person with a mental health condition may be more susceptible to skipping prescribed medications, which can lead to negative effects on the body’s function. Similarly, someone may struggle to recover from an injury or procedure if they don’t feel motivated to take the proper steps toward healing.
In addition, people with mental illness may also turn to negative self-medication, such as excessive alcohol consumption or over-eating, which can cause a host of physical problems.
“I always think of health as the whole person,” Dr. Barfield said. “You truly cannot take care of one without taking care of the other.”
There are many ways to be proactive about your mental health.
Dr. Barfield said several small daily actions can help people feel better. These include spending at least 20 minutes a day outside, exercising and eating a healthy diet.
“It can make a huge difference when you move around, listen to the birds, look at what’s green and breathe the fresh air,” she said. “People also don’t think as much about how their food intake matters to their mental health. Too many over-processed foods don’t give you enough of the true vitamins you need to stay mentally healthy. They may fill you up, but they lack a lot of nutrients.”
In addition, Dr. Barfield said it can be beneficial to make new personal connections or become reacquainted with old friends.
“Reach out and catch up with people if you haven’t talked in a while,” she said. “Even if you just strike up a conversation with a stranger at a store or at the park, that connection can help bring people out of a sense of isolation.”
Organizations and workplaces can provide support in big and small ways.
Dr. Barfield said it has become more common for businesses to offer wellness activities to employees, such as friendly fitness competitions and education about healthy eating. Some companies also offer employee assistance programs, in which people can connect with professional resources if they feel they need that help.
A business’ commitment to employee wellness can also show up in subtler ways, such as being intentional about office lighting, design and color schemes.
“All of that work is designed to improve employee well-being, because studies show that happier employees are more productive and can make stronger contributions,” Dr. Barfield said.
Anyone who wants mental health support is encouraged to speak to their health care provider or call the number on their health insurance card to connect with resources. If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or in severe distress, you may call the National Suicide and Crisis Line at 988 for immediate assistance.
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