May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About It

Every May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a time dedicated to breaking stigma, starting conversations, and reconnecting with what it really means to be mentally well. While awareness is growing, many of us still carry silent struggles, unanswered questions, and outdated beliefs about what mental health really is.

Let’s change that.

Mental health is not just about illness. It’s about the full spectrum of human experience—how we think, feel, relate, cope, and function. Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, mental health is always in motion. The more we understand it, the better equipped we are to care for ourselves and others.

What Mental Health Is—and What It’s Not

Mental health is:
✔ Emotional resilience
✔ The ability to cope with stress and change
✔ Feeling connected to yourself and others
✔ Experiencing a full range of emotions without shame

Mental health is not:
✘ Just about diagnoses or disorders
✘ A sign of weakness
✘ Something you only pay attention to when things go wrong
✘ A one-size-fits-all journey

We all have mental health—just like we all have physical health. And both require attention, care, and regular check-ins.

Common Mental Health Myths—Debunked

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions that might be holding you back from seeking support or talking openly:

Myth #1: “If I were stronger, I wouldn’t feel this way.”

Truth: Strength isn’t about avoiding struggle—it’s about acknowledging it and being brave enough to reach out.

Myth #2: “Therapy is only for people in crisis.”

Truth: Therapy is for anyone who wants support navigating life, emotions, growth, or relationships. You don’t have to wait until it’s “bad.”

Myth #3: “Talking about mental health makes things worse.”

Truth: Silence is what gives stigma power. Talking about your experiences opens the door to healing, connection, and clarity.

Signs It May Be Time to Check In on Your Mental Health

We all have ups and downs—but some signs suggest your mental well-being might need extra attention:

• • Feeling constantly overwhelmed or drained
  • Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings
  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
  • Withdrawing from loved ones or usual activities
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling hopeless

None of these are signs that something is wrong with you. They’re signs that something needs care. And there is support available.

5 Simple, Sustainable Ways to Care for Your Mental Health

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to begin caring for your mental health. Small, intentional steps make a big impact over time.

1.  Name What You Feel

Use emotional vocabulary to check in with yourself: “I’m feeling anxious,” “I’m overwhelmed,” or even “I don’t know what I’m feeling right now.” Naming your emotions is the first step to understanding and managing them.

2.  Practice “Micro-Moments” of Regulation

Stress builds up over the course of a day. Use short breaks to release it:

• • Deep breathing (Box breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)
  • A 5-minute walk without your phone
  • Listening to calming music or stepping outside

3.  Make Time for Connection

Isolation can quietly chip away at your mental health. Reach out—call a friend, send a message, or share a meal. Connection reminds us we’re not alone.

4.  Unplug With Intention

Not all screen time is bad, but constant input can make our brains feel overloaded. Try setting boundaries with social media or news and reclaim moments of quiet, reflection, or creativity.

5.  Ask for Help—Without Apology

Seeking support is a sign of self-respect, not failure. Whether it’s therapy, a support group, or just a trusted person in your life, you deserve to be supported.

Let This Month Be a Reminder—Not a One-Time Reflection

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a call to return to yourself. To slow down. To listen in. To release shame. To speak up. To remember: your mental health is just as important as your physical health, your work, or your responsibilities.

If you’re doing well, that’s worth celebrating. If you’re struggling, that’s worth honoring. And wherever you are, it’s okay.

Mental Health Resources to Explore

●      Therapy Directories:

Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls, Latinx Therapy, Inclusive Therapists

●      Crisis Support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7): Call or Text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

●      Podcasts & Books:

• The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
• Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
• What Happened to You? by Oprah & Bruce Perry

This May—and every month—let’s keep talking, listening, and caring.
Because mental health matters. Because you matter.
With care,

Reclaiming Minds Therapy and Wellness
ReclaimingMindsTherapy.com