The month of May is known as the last month of school, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and most importantly, Mental Health Awareness Month. Even during Mental Health Awareness month, many students neglect mental health due to their occupation with exams around the corner.
May was initially established as Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 by the founder of the organization Mental Health America, Clifford W. Beers. His, as well as the organization’s, goal was to free those suffering under mental illness, bring recognition to suicide worldwide and raise awareness to psychological disorders and its effect on individuals in the community. The United States has been considered the country with the highest suicide rate and second-highest drug-related death rate, deeming that mental illness has been a major problem for countless American citizens.
As a major problem in the country, several individuals such as Dorothea Dix and Howie the Harp, have contributed to the mentally ill in the past. Dorothea Dix worked as a nurse and witnessed the dehumanizing living conditions her mentally ill patients had to endure, living more as prisoners than patients. To contribute to the asylum reform in 1843, Dix’s efforts led to passing the Worcester Insane Asylum enlargement bill and several government fundings to psychiatric hospitals.
Growing up in his teenage years, Howard Geld spent most of his time in mental institutions, gaining his name Howie the Harp after learning the harmonica from a night attendant at one of his institutions. Geld dedicated his life not letting his mental illness determine his worth as a human being. As a result, he developed many mental health advocacy groups and his own advocacy center, Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, that trains individuals how to work as peer providers in Human Services.
“Last year, I enjoyed learning more about Mental Health Awareness Month, and if time allows, I’ll definitely do it again this year!” says Suveda Singamsetty (11).
Countless contributions to Mental Health Awareness Month have been made this year. For example, Ent Credit Union launched a fundraising campaign to hold donations for pediatric mental health. Also, the creator of Jeremiah the Innocent, Daniel Johnston, inspired the formation of the Hi, How Are You Project that removes shame placed on mental health.
It is important to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month because it is important for all people to recognize the toll mental health takes on people and their lives. It is just as important to advocate and celebrate mental health awareness month by doing something for yourself, especially during stressful times this exam month.
For example, doing what you love, such as a hobby, is a simple yet effective way to improve mental health. Especially because hobbies are different for each person, there is a more personal effect put on hobbies that make it more enjoyable and special to each individual person.
Exercising is also an effective yet productive way to take care of your mental health. Exercise, just like hobbies, is a different experience for each person. Whether it is going to the gym, running, doing pilates or yoga or a sport, all kinds of physical activities will not only make your body feel good but also your mind.
“To take care of my mental health,” says Paige Bergman (11), “I make sure to practice daily gratitude. I find that showing appreciation for what happens in my life or what I value makes me enjoy the life that I have right now, despite hardships. I think more people should practice daily gratitude and find love in the little things because brightening your perspective in life allows a better life.”
