May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on our well-being. This particular month sheds light and was created as a way to educate the public about mental challenges and illnesses, raise awareness surrounding research and treatments, reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and illness, and celebrate recovery from mental illness.

Fascinating, isn’t it? So, to help that candle burn brighter, we ought to carry the essence of this cause to a much lengthier span. Beyond the mental health awareness month, we need to keep addressing the cause.

1. Open and honest mental health dialogues.

The more we talk about mental health together, the more normalized these conversations become – ultimately empowering people to seek the help they need. And fortunately, more people are now talking about and prioritizing their mental health, just as they would their physical health. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income level.

2. Language Matters When It Comes to Mental Health.

Language is powerful, and your choice of words can help break down misconceptions or contribute to them. One of the most impactful ways to communicate about mental health is to use person-first language to put the person before their diagnosis, disability, or other characteristics. For example: Instead of describing someone as “suffering from a mental illness,” say “experiencing or living with a mental illness.”

Instead of saying, “Person X is schizophrenic…or depressed,” say “Person X is a person who has schizophrenia…or is struggling with depression.”

It’s also important to use that promotes inclusivity and respect. When we use open, compassionate, and equitable language around mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need. For instance, instead of saying ‘committing suicide’ one could refer to it as ‘dying by suicide’.

3. Be a lifeline- to yourself first and then to others.

This simply tasks you to pay attention to your mind. To notice when you need a break, a hug, a good cry or even an SOS to seek help. To aim to keep your mind alive and not just in survival mode. To self-care and yes, self-care looks different for everyone. Exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet might be the strategy for some, while others might benefit from joining a support group, or seeing a mental health professional. It’s important to identify what works best for you.

And once you’re in a good enough position for you, then you can take on being a lifeline for others. A few examples this month and beyond include Simply listening, providing support, creating a safe space for people to express their mental struggles and checking in, can make a significant – and even lifesaving – difference.

4. Take time to learn more about mental health.

Mental health is not a ‘one size fits all’. This directly means that there’s a lot to learn. Taking time off to understand different mental health conditions and illnesses, policies and sources of help can be very very handy and give you better insight on mental health.

The mind is like a garden; every day, it needs care, attention, and nurturing to bloom into its full potential. Tend to your mind tirelessly and watch your well-being flourish.

On that note, as you nurture your mind, you cultivate a life of depth, resilience, and profound well-being, let’s keep the mental health flame burning as we push for a cause that matters to us all.

Written and Compiled by.

PAMELA NATASHA BUGEMBE.