May is Mental Health Awareness Month
By Kari Johnston, LPC-MH, QMHP
Executive Director of the Human Service Agency
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time dedicated to shedding light on an often invisible but deeply impactful aspect of our well-being: our mental health.
In a world where physical ailments often receive immediate attention, mental health issues can remain unseen and unspoken. Yet, they affect millions of people across all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD, and many other conditions are common, and they are treatable — but only if we talk about them and more importantly, seek help to cope with them.
Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, shaping how we think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like physical health, our mental well-being needs care, support, and maintenance.
Here are several effective ways to support and maintain your mental health:
- Stay Connected - Talk to friends or family regularly and seek social support when you're stressed or overwhelmed.
- Exercise Regularly - Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood.
- Get Enough Sleep - Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. As adults, we should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Eat a Balanced Diet - Fuel your brain with nutritious food, stay hydrated and limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Limit Screen Time - Take breaks from social media and news.
- Engage in Activities You Enjoy - Hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteering can bring joy and purpose.
- Practice Self-Compassion - Be kind to yourself, especially during setbacks. Avoid negative self-talk and perfectionism.
- Seek Professional Help When Needed - Therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide guidance. Don’t wait until things feel unmanageable. The Human Service Agency in Watertown is a Community Mental Health Center that provides support and offers a sliding fee scale to meet you where you are at financially. You can also call 211 or visit www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1/ to find additional providers near you. Someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also call or text 988 to be in contact with a helper 24/7.
Ignoring mental health can lead to serious consequences: reduced productivity, damaged social relationships, chronic health conditions, and tragically, suicide. That’s why this month is not just about awareness; it’s about action. If you need help, it is available.
This May, make Mental Health a priority. Take this time to normalize conversations around mental health, mental well-being, and any struggles you or someone you love might be having with their mental health. When we speak up, we give others permission to do the same. Let’s commit to compassion, education, and action. Together, we can build a culture where no one has to suffer in silence.
For more information, contact the NE Prevention Resource Center at the Human Service Agency at (605) 884-3516 or visit
www.humanserviceagency.org/NEPrevention. To stay informed, follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/NEPRC.HSA or Twitter
www.twitter.com/NE_Prevention