Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffer from mental illness each year? Millions of Americans suffer from mental health and are faced with obstacles daily. Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization to raise awareness about people who suffer from mental health and to increase the significance of mental health and wellness in Americans lives.  The Mental Health America organization works with other organizations to coordinate different activities based on a different theme each year. For example, the theme in 2016 was “Life With Mental Illness.” The theme was made for people to share what mental illness feels like for them by using pictures, words, and videos, then tagging their social media posts with #mentalillnessfeelslike. This year’s theme is #4mind4body, which highlights the importance of physical health in achieving balanced mental health.  Mental health is essential to live a healthy and happy life. Just because someone is suffering from mental illness, does not mean they can’t live a happy and fulfilling life.

    There are many things one can do to improve their mental health.  Exercising is a great way to relieve stress, ease anxiety, and get a better sleep.  To get the most benefit, aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise daily. Another way to enhance mental health is to have a healthy diet. Having a diet that consists of high quality food such as fruits and vegetables will enhance the mind and be beneficial for one’s mental health. Studies have shown that individuals who have a higher intake of fruits and vegetables report a higher level of mental well-being.

   A helpful way to improve one’s mental health is to write down positive moments in life. It really helps to identify the positive instead of focusing on the negative. When you have a negative mindset, negative situations are bound to happen. Instead of thinking “I can’t and I won’t,” try thinking “I can and I will.” The moment you wake up, think “Today will be a great day.

   A healthy mindset provides an opportunity for a person to lead a successful life. There is lots of support and mental health services available to help a person manage their symptoms. It is possible to live well with mental illness. Mental illness does not define a person, you are not your mental illness. You are you.

Sources:
Wikipedia.org
Psychologytoday.com
Newsweek.com
Fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
Mentalhealthamerica.net