World Mental Health Day 10.10.22

Think Globally, Nurture Locally

It has been deeply encouraging to see the enormous cultural shift in acknowledging the importance of mental health continue, to start to see the shedding of its stigma and to be publicly embraced outside of the medical community in the last decade.  For too long, the fear of social and professional implications has prevented individuals who suffer from major disruptions to their lives and well-being stemming from mental health matters from seeking care.  We’ve witnessed the devastating and violent consequences of that play out in our classrooms, office places, homes, on the news, and in the streets.  Furthermore, we all know someone, or even more-likely, are ourselves experiencing, anywhere from acute to concerning levels of mental-health impacting stress just from the nature of our current global reality.  The good news is that you are not alone and there is help available.

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, one in eight people were living with a mental disorder prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Statistics unanimously express an increase in the number of individuals experiencing symptoms or the frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms for those already dealing with mental health circumstances, since March of 2020.  We cannot and will not ignore our value of and commitment to ensuring that our children, our spouses, our communities, and most importantly – ourselves – have access to high-level, highly-responsive, and culturally informed mental health care.  It is not a privilege, but a right entitled to all people around the world.

On October 10, 2022, we celebrate World Mental Health Day.  This year’s theme is to “make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”  There is no denying that our society has become a global one.  As residents living in the greater Twin-Cities area, we see that in the diversity of our population and know how lucky we are to benefit from the cultural contributions that brings to our lives.  To have such immediate and consistent exposure to different languages, cultural celebrations and traditions, cuisine, and worldly experience of such an eclectic and rainbowed variety is truly a unique treasure.  And while we celebrate the health and mental well-being of all humankind we share this planet with, we know the biggest impact we have is always right at home.  It is more important than ever that we nurture ourselves, our homes, and our communities to ensure we are elevating opportunities and providing access to care that allows everyone to experience a healthy and fulfilling life.

Here at AKA, we’re lucky to be one step ahead of the curve already in facilitating our mental health care!  Minnesota’s very own world renowned Mayo Clinic reports that exercise eases symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Not only does exercise release feel-good endorphins, Mayo asserts that it can also help individuals gain confidence, get more social interaction, and cope with stress in a healthy way by creating a space to get away from the cycle of negative thoughts with a positive and life-affirming activity.  And the best part is that the first step in getting started or recommitting to an exercise routine is simply to identify what you enjoy doing and reconnecting with that activity.  It’s a great reminder that part of our mental health starts with pursuing productive pleasures and hobbies that bring joy to our lives.  Don’t discredit how much light a little joy can bring to your sense of self and how that radiates into all the things we do and the people we share that light with.

There is no question that life too often feels crazy and out of control.  For most of us, there’s just so much going on all the time on all the levels.  It’s hard to find even a moment to write tomorrow’s to-do list, nonetheless attend to all the variables that contribute to our mental health.  But that doesn’t make it impossible.  Just like cleaning out a closet, it’s important to periodically evaluate our time management and clean out the clutter in order to make space for more useful tools.  But fear not – it doesn’t mean you have to overhaul the whole house.  Remember that taking just 10-15 minutes to move your body, journal your thoughts, or quiet your mind with meditation, prayer, or other calming reflective practice is all it takes to start to bring the benefits of these habits into your life.  I’m sure we could all donate 15 minutes of our social media or email scrolling to make our mental health more of a priority.  Or try getting up just a bit earlier in your morning routine.  Your mental health will thank you and you may be surprised to find how much that benefits all the other components and obligations you attend to in your life.

The other incredibly important factor to mention here is resources.  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues of any intensity or variety, it is critically important that it be addressed.  There is a plethora of dedicated local resources to help, and the sooner assistance is sought, the quicker the journey back to finding joy and stability can begin.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the “nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.  NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.”  They also have a presence right here in Anoka County, providing access to resource, services, and support groups through their website.  The World Health Organization also has a slew of helpful mental health resources including this illustrated guide on doing what matters in times of stress, offered in 25 different languages and adaptations, outlining how to address stressors at all levels that contribute to our mental health and well-being.

As the world joins together today to celebrate and bring awareness to mental health and the well-being of all, take a moment to do something for your own mental health.  Heck, maybe you even share that with someone else and encourage them to take a moment to do something for their mental health!  Just like that, the connecting and healing of minds and hearts begins.  It’s hard to imagine a more important priority than that.

 

We’re all in this together!

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