Mental Health Experts Promote Daily Tips for Mental Health Awareness Month

(KNSI) – Healthcare professionals are offering tips to better their mental health during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Steven Loos wants people to know they’re not alone in living with anxiety, depression, or any other issue. “What we want people to know is that everybody has mental health. Some need it nurtured, some need it treated, but everyone needs to take care of it.”

That’s why the CMMHC put out information on a 31-day simple tips calendar with activities that anyone can do to take care of their mental health.

Dr. Loos gave examples of what’s coming up this month. “May 14th is be kind and help create a better world. Research suggests that when we do random acts of kindness for other people, that we’re going to boost the mental health of the people that we’re providing kindness to, but that it actually changes our neurotransmitters as well. And that we get our own boost.”

On May 25th, people can unplug for two hours to do a digital detox. That means disconnecting from electronics, and engaging in enjoyable activities that take place with face-to-face communication.

Mental health professionals believe that over the last few years, the stigma around asking for help has become much more acceptable, which has always been a goal in raising awareness this month.

Experts also hail the creation of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 988. Loos says the number has led to many more people reporting they need help, and that’s a good thing. Experts say since the pandemic, there has been a pretty significant increase in the need for both mental health and chemical health services.

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