Mental Health Awareness 2022
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Because of the widespread dissemination of mental health information across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube, mental health awareness means something completely different today than it did 5 years ago.
Coronavirus arrived in 2020 and with it, the world experienced not just a viral flu but a viral epidemic of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. Thanks to social media, there is much more widely available mental health education. There are more people openly talking about their mental health struggles and time in therapy than ever before. But we still have a long way to go.
I want to give a shout out to some the famous faces who have shined a light on mental health awareness this year, including:
Hailey Bieber
Jamila Jameel
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Selena Gomez
The Rock
Kristen Bell
Chrissy Teigen
Their courage in sharing their own struggles has helped society take huge leaps forward in understanding that mental health impacts us all.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s be mindful that ACCESS to mental health is still disproportionate for people of color.
Let’s also keep in mind that there is a vast shortage of mental health professionals. Meanwhile, student loan debt for people desiring a career in mental health is extremely high (for folks like me with a doctorate degree, our loans can total over $150,000 out the door.)
Finally, the lack of accessible healthcare for all Americans means that we treat mental health care as a luxury when it really should be a necessity and a right.
If you have ever struggled or currently struggle with depression or suicidal thoughts, I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that you are NOT alone, and that your life matters immensely, even if it doesn’t currently feel that way. If you’re struggling, please seek professional care and/or call a family member, friend, or the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Please note that this account is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional healthcare or crisis support.
If you are in an emergency please call 911.
BTW, my mission is help people love their lives so they never want to leave them.
Every week I do my best to share things with you that are inspiring, encouraging, and beneficial.
If you like:
🧠 Simple mental health tips and inspiration
🗓️ Events you can attend with amazing people
💡Random thoughts and musings as one human to another, including things I’m learning as a therapist, digital nomad,
and person who is trying to be her best!
I have a weekly newsletter I think you might like and I would love for you to be a part of it. Just click the link below!