May is recognized as National Mental Health Awareness month as well as National Adolescent Health month across the United States.
This is a fitting time to change the language and conversation around mental well-being. Here’s how:
- Words matter: Using language that does not shame or blame could save a life. The reframing of mental well-being infographic by the National Federation of Families provides an excellent framework of updated mental health language and its importance for use.
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Available resources matter: Knowing where to ask for help is often a barrier to treatment. The Emotional and Mental Well-Being page on Detroit Mercy’s Wellness & Well-being site provides important crisis contact information as well as resources specific to student counseling through the Wellness Center and employee services offered through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- You matter: If you don’t know how to start a conversation for your own mental well-being concern or you are addressing the concern of another, the Mental Health America’s Tips for Talking About Your Mental Health and for Parents and Caregivers, the resources and videos on behavioral health by the Administration for Children & Families are a wealth of information.
Mental well-being concerns may be a national crisis, but change can be done at an individual level, today.
Wishing you excellent emotional and mental well-being.