May is Mental Health Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma and provide support for mental wellbeing. Mental health isn’t something a person simply “has” or “doesn’t have” it exists on a spectrum that every individual moves along throughout their life. Just as physical health can fluctuate from strong to strained, mental well-being shifts in response to experiences, stressors, environment and support. Recognizing this spectrum helps reduce stigma, encouraging the understanding that everyone, at different times, may need care, reflection or support to maintain balance and resilience.
Stigma surrounding mental health exists and can be a major barrier to an individual getting help that they need and more importantly deserve. Stigma occurs on a social level and in many forms. Types of social stigma are public stigma, self-stigma/internalized stigma, courtesy stigma and structural stigma/institutional stigma.
- Public stigma: Negative attitudes or discrimination from others, such as stereotyping or avoiding someone with a mental health condition.
- Self-stigma/internalized stigma: When individuals internalize social disapproval, leading to low self-esteem and shame.
- Courtesy stigma: Disapproval directed towards family or friends of the stigmatized person.
- Structural/institutional stigma: Systemic policies of private or government organizations that limit opportunities for certain groups, such as unequal access to housing or healthcare.
The process of increasing awareness starts within and with ourselves. We can start by doing self check-ins on a consistent basis. When doing a self check-in, it can be helpful to look at areas such as mood, thoughts, energy/motivation, sleep/body/appetite/, connection and coping. Take note of any changes that you may have experienced in the past 1-2 weeks. Reflect on how often you have experienced them by using a rating scale such as, rarely/never, sometimes and often/almost always. Ask yourself “what do I need more of right now? Rest, connection, structure, or support?” If anything feels intense or persistent, talking to someone you trust, or a mental health professional can make a real difference.
Below is a link for questions you can ask yourself to foster awareness of your own mental health:
https://lightfully.com/6-mental-health-check-in-prompts-to-foster-self-awareness/
Capital EAP also offers access to an anonymous questionnaire to help you assess your current state of mental health and well-being. The link is below:
https://www.capitaleapconnects.org/welcome.cfm
Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that behind every struggle is a human being who deserves understanding, not judgment. Support doesn’t have to be perfect or profound, it just has to be real. In showing up for one another with patience, empathy and honesty, we affirm something deeply human, that no one is meant to face life alone. If you or someone you know would benefit from additional support, our EAP team is here and ready to help. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to connect with our intake team, who can help you set up an appointment. Remember, you are not alone and do not need to
By: Meryl Tremblay, LMSW, EAP Counselor