May is Mental Health Awareness Month

At the YMCA we believe in supporting our community to grow in Spirit, Mind and Body. Mental Health awareness month is a reminder that we all have mental health. Mental health is how we think, feel and act.  Our mental health has an impact on our relationships, our physical health and our ability to function at our best in all areas.

Simple practices like journaling, practicing daily gratitude, exercising, drinking water and eating whole foods can make a big difference in the way our minds function.

Mental Health is brain health.

Staying connected with others, expressing our thoughts and emotions in writing, practicing deep breathing and making sure our body has what it needs to function at it’s best are all essential for our mental wellbeing. These simple practices can actually help our brain get out of the fight or flight response and back into a rest state where our prefrontal cortex can operate more efficiently to help us make decisions and respond intentionally to things happening around us.

Mental health is centered in our brains and is part of our physical health and spiritual well-being.

Help reduce the stigma of mental health by checking in on family and friends and becoming more aware of how our minds and bodies are connected. The neurotransmitters in our brains that help us to maintain stable moods and stop negative thought cycles are powerful and need specific ingredients and nutrients to operate. When someone exhibits signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge, they may need to be evaluated to see if their body needs support to operate efficiently. We can also support others by being aware of resources that exist to help those facing mental health challenges.

During mental health awareness month and throughout the year, we want to connect you with resources to help yourself and others who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.