May is Mental Health Awareness month. Many are suffering not just physically but mentally from the effects of the pandemic. Last month, the National Institute of Mental Health published their findings a year into the pandemic. I will link here, showing many Americans experiencing increased symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

I am not a mental health expert, nor should the next few paragraphs replace professional help. However, I know what it is like to not be in the best shape mentally due to not only having Aspergers but also Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and a mood disorder. This past winter was especially rough on me thanks to cold, dark, dreary days.

There are a few things I would like to share that I have learned that might help those experiencing mental health struggles. First off, becoming mentally healthy is not a quick fix but a process. I learned that lesson from mental health coach Mark DeJesus’ ministry of equipping people for long-term mental wellness. His site is available here.

With the springtime comes warmer and sunnier weather. Getting outside for walks has dramatically improved my mood thanks to physical activity and receiving Vitamin D. More health experts are recommending going out for better overall health. There are plenty of easy walking trails around Huntsville that provide a workout without being strenuous on the body. If getting to the greenways is a challenge for your family, walk around your neighborhood and listen to the birds chirping and the rustling of the wind through the trees. For a list of greenways in Huntsville, click here.

Speaking of which, take a break from the noise and embrace the silence.  When I am around too much noise, I get angry and more likely to have a meltdown. I have started leaving the radio off in my car to get my thoughts in order both before and after work. Podcasts and YouTube are great in moderation, but too much sensory input can drain one’s mental health. Here is a link to an article in Medical News Today about how noise pollution affects one’s mental health.

Writing is another tool to help one become emotionally healthy. Having a journal nearby to write one’s honest thoughts of the day to see what’s bugging you visually to find ways of getting help. Even writing this post was therapeutic.  Don’t worry about being grammatically correct, having a theme, or getting the spelling correct; write instead of taking your frustrations out on someone else. For more information about writing being an excellent tool for dealing with anxiety, check out this study from Harvard University Health.

I must confess I easily struggle with negativity and gravitate towards things that bring me down, especially after a rough day at work when I experience sensory overload. Some guardrails I put up include watching less news and trying not to read the comments section of news stories on Facebook. Most news today is designed to stir outrage. Instead of being on Facebook all the time, pick up a book and read. Also, stay away from political posts as that often lead to arguing.

This past year has shown that being mentally healthy is just as crucial as being physically fit. Knowing that becoming mentally healthy will take as long as needed without a time limit is a very comforting thought. If you experience a setback in your mental health journey, don’t give up and keep going. There are better days ahead.

What are you doing to be mentally healthy? Comment in the section below.