May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now you’re aware of that so we’re already making progress.
I realize not every health issue has its own awareness month, but maybe there are lots of things we are already quite aware of and mental health needs the attention.
Before anyone starts labeling this particular month as a new, modern, or [insert snarky adjective here] thing, Mental Health Awareness Month started in 1949. If you want to blame President Truman for it, fine.
Why the month?
Why should you be “aware” of “mental health”? Why, lots of reasons, of course.
Most importantly, we all have mental health of varying degrees.
If you don’t feel the concept of “mental health” applies to you or you feel perfectly “fine,” that’s wonderful — you are blessed. I truly am thankful and grateful for your tip-top shape when it comes to your internal well-being.
A lot of people are struggling with the challenges of not-so-perfect mental health.
Much like there are different types of physical pain — a skinned knee, a broken leg, a concussion, heartburn, and pinkeye — there are many different types of mental pain.
You may know some of the words for them; they are: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, and psychosis just to name a few.
These are just as challenging as the physical issues and illnesses.
If no one would bat an eye at someone taking a day or two off of work for a broken leg, what difference does it make if someone takes a day or two off for a broken heart?
Both of these brokens can lead to someone having less of their potential to work with on any given day.
Whereas you can ice the leg, it’s not as easy to ice your feelings. Well, actually it is for some people, but they find harmful ways of doing it and addictions show their ugly faces.
Much like more attention and care are being paid toward people who suffer a concussion, more attention and care are being given to people struggling with mental or emotional challenges.
For some people, going outside and getting some fresh air might be enough to get them out of a funk, but for others, they need more. They need support, they need a hug (if consent allows it), they need prayers, or maybe they just need time, which doesn’t always heal all wounds.
The human body is a wonderful thing and can heal its physical self quite rapidly in many instances, such as those following major surgeries.
For the emotions of the heart, the brain, and everything else soulfully internal, the healing can take a long time if it’s not recognized or treated well.
The importance of support
If nothing else comes from this month, let’s all just acknowledge that these issues are real.
People dealing with mental challenges need help, can be helped, and need the right support and resources.
I can’t imagine why anyone would have a problem dealing with these today.
We live in a divided and tense country. Everything seems to cost more and it’ll seem like even more next week. While the job market is stellar for some, others are struggling mightily, even though they are doing everything right on their end to better themselves career-wise. More people are seemingly walking away from the faith than ever.
What is there to be anxious about?
I don’t promise to have all of the answers or explore all of the areas of mental health, but an increase in “awareness” would be a great accomplishment for the month of May.
Starting with prayer
I can’t promise or claim that a “Hail Mary” or 10 will pray the mental health woes away, but it can be a start.
In the Church, we do have St. Dymphna who is the patron saint of mental illness.
Our own Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities is increasing its efforts to support mental health, and you’ll read more about that in future issues of the Catholic Herald.
If you are suffering from mental illness, or know someone who is, just know, as much as it might not feel like it, God is with you. He sees your pain, He knows your pain, and He wants to help heal your pain.
You are NOT alone.
“St. Dymphna, pray for us.”
Thank you for reading.
I’m praying for you.