Mental Health
Why is Mental Health Education important?
As we grow up we encounter new people and experiences, so even if our mental health is in a good state, being aware of how to help, and also how stand back when it comes to the mental health issues of those around you is crucial. We could all stand to be kinder and more caring to one another; but understanding someone may have trouble putting together their thoughts into words, or that the way they are communicating may be(/not be) expressing how they really feel. You can't predict the way that people are going to engage with you, because you can't predict what they are going through in that current moment. You should always take time to assess the situation and think about what social systems, and life differences may have impacted this person you are enaging with.
A lot of us have learned by trial and error, that blocking out intense life experiences (traumas) don't allow us to have the state of mind of trying to work, converse, accept reality, & etc. When you are unable to take time to process it that can cause longer term stress from the trauma/event. Taking that into account we can try to remind ourselves of what we expect from ourselves and what we expect from others in daily interactions.
If we are allowed enough information about mental health, that we can look out for signs and symptoms in ourselves and loved ones. This knowledge also allows us to be more intune with our body, brain, and mind. Making choices that serve us both mentally and emoitonally rather than socially or precociously. We can also use these tools to serve us on how we want to guide ourselves to grow as we age. None of this means you don't have fun or choose risky things, but that you choose them with forthought and insight to the situation presented.
Looking out for Yourself and Friends:
Making sure that you are aware of the feelings and ways that mental health can effect you and your friends allows you to have a broader perspective of the things you are going through in life. You can take this information to strengthen your relationship with your mental health so that you are conscious of both your state of being, but your state of wellness. Everything isn't rainbow and sunshine, sometimes we make a lot of decisions that we wouldn't normally make because of it. When we are going through a really hard time, it's important to share it with the people we can trust so we can look out for ourselves and the people around us.
Knowing what to do -and how to be respectful- in a Mental Health Emergency:
It is very important that we know how to respond in the event of a mental health crisis or emergency. There are resources to go to, if in need of emergency services. We will walk you through those decisions in several sections; but do remember that the abudance of caution is your best tool, even if it seems difficult. If it's not your time or place to get involved, than make sure you know how to be respectful, and how to protect them in the case of others being disrespectful.
For example in a mental health crisis where someone needs privacy and has support already, if anyone (not involved) is trying to make at scene, you can stand facing away from the person in crisis-with respectful room- in front of the crisis at hand, and ask others to join in order to form a human sheild.
Mental Health America (Where to search for Emergency and Long-Term Mental Health Care for Free or Low Cost)
Finding Healthy ways to Cope:
Finding healthy coping habits can be very difficult to find and maintain. Many people will turn to drugs, big life changes, and increased interest in dangerous activities. While all people approach coping differently, it's important for us to discuss what we are facing with those close to us. Sometimes those who know us best, are the best people to help you find healthy ways to cope with whatever you are facing.
Coping with anxiety can be harder of course, but there are always going to be more personalized ways that you can cope. Going outdoors and interacting with nature is a large way humans have been known to relax and have anti-anxiety experiences. Activities that require physical movement and team work can typically be very supportive to mental stress, but this can be accessibility-based.
If you plan on using or use any drugs please check out our Drug Education page with expansive information on how to safely ingest and preventative measures.
Knowing what kinds of relationships we have with the people around us can be very important. Our page on Relationships explains some of the ways that we can identify or relationships with others, but also how these relationships may effect us and the people around us. Avoiding Predators can also be something to look into that we prefer that all individuals prepare for.