MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Rev Thomas Konopka, LCSW-R
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Too often when we think of mental health we either shy away from the stigma or we do not talk about it. I remember a time when we did not talk about cancer either. Almost 50 years ago, the tabu about talking about cancer was strong in the US culture. I wonder if many people thought it was contagious. Let me assure you of this: a mental health issue is not contagious. It is often a result of a biological issue, particularly in the brain chemistry. Circumstance out of person’s control can lead to some of the less serious responses. No one has not felt “down in the dumps,” afraid for no reason or has a fear of something (for me, its bats, and snakes), left the house and not returned to make sure the door was closed, etc. Does this qualify for a diagnosis of something? No! These are all normal things. Something is a mental health problem when it does not go away> In the DSM-4-TR (a previous version of the manual used for diagnosis), this phrase explains it: The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. For example, my fear of snakes does not limit my life; I am not a snake handler.
During this month, I would like to offer you some tips on developing some good mental health hygiene using the following phrase: mens sana in corpore sano or “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, both translated: sound mind in sound body. Medical research has shown the correlation between medical issues and the lack of movement. Mental health research also draws that correlation. So, your first lesson in mental health hygiene. MOVE. (Obviously, check with your physician first and tailor what you can do). Go for a short walk, chair yoga, garden, lap your living room, run, cycle, clean the bathroom etc. Just moving will help someone’s mood. CONNECT. Call a friend, pet a cat, or walk a dog, join a group at church, go to Mass, etc. MIND. Read a book, take a course (in person or online), learn something new, do a crossword or any type of puzzle, etc. AVOID spending too much time on social media and surfing the net, being sedentary, complaining about everything. limited exposure to the news, etc.
NO FEAR If there are issues that you are experiencing like a depressed mood, no energy, a lack of appetite or overeating or thoughts of suicide, then it is time to find a therapist. If your anxiety is overwhelming, a substance or behavior is controlling your life, get help. If you are doubt, start with your primary physician and be honest with him or her.
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