Look around, look within: Take steps to improve your mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Started by Mental Health America (MHA) in 1949, MHA’s 2023 Mental Health Month campaign is focused on how surroundings impact mental health .

For Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions. MHA encourages everyone to consider how the world around them effects their mental health. 

SAFE AND STABLE HOUSING
Having safe, stable, and healthy home conditions set the foundation for achieving and maintaining good mental health.

For many people, not having a true “home base” to consistently return to can leave them feeling distressed, disconnected, or isolated. Stable housing allows individuals to develop routines and connections to their local community, which are beneficial for mental health.

Wherever you call “home,” it should give you feelings of comfort, support, and calmness. If not, there are things you can do to your space to help you be more productive, reach your goals, and improve your mental health.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND TOWNS
The area, or ZIP code, that you live in plays a significant role in how healthy you are.

A strong sense of community within neighborhoods protects mental health through shared support, resources, and joy.

Challenges like gentrification, community violence, and lack of access to resources can negatively impact mental health. While many of these can be out of your control, being an advocate for change and making healthy community connections can bring hope.

OUTDOORS AND NATURE
Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes, including improved focus, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of developing mental health conditions, and a sense of connection to yourself, community, and purpose.

Being around nature doesn’t have to mean hiking in a forest. It can be walking in a park, bringing a plant inside, or sitting in your backyard.

FREE SCREENING
If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition. Take a free, private screening at mhascreening.org to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps.