Mental Health Awareness Month Recognized

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a good time to reflect on your mental health and to understand the benefits of taking steps to maintain good mental health.

One key element to consider when thinking about mental health is the connection between mental health and disease management. Many people have or will develop some sort of chronic condition in their lifetime. Issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and others can dramatically impact our lives.

It’s important, then, to take all possible steps to effectively manage chronic illness. Of course, being chronically ill in some way can impact your mental health. But, the reverse is true, too. Our mental health can play a role in how we manage chronic conditions.

Studies suggest that when we can take on a chronic condition with sound mental health, we are much more likely to be effective. Sure, these conditions may cause depression or anxiety, but taking steps to improve our mental health can be a key way to claim small victories over chronic illness.

The good news is that many of the steps that help us maintain sound mental health also have direct impacts on our diseases.

Getting regular physical activity, limiting screen time, and practicing selfcare are all ways to maintain good mental health. These actions also impact our physical well-being. If we are well-rested, physically active, and make time to limit the distractions of screens, we are both mentally stronger and gain clarity as seek to maintain normalcy in the face of chronic disease.

It’s important, then, to be aware of our mental state. If you notice a change in thoughts and feelings or just generally feel like “something’s not quite right,” it’s a good time to talk with your healthcare provider.

May is a great time to remember that taking care of our minds helps us take better care of our bodies.