Understanding Mental Health
As May draws to a close, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of mental health and the significance of raising awareness about this vital aspect of our well-being. Mental health affects every facet of our lives, influencing our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall quality of life. Just as we care for our physical health, nurturing and tending to our mental health is equally crucial for leading a fulfilling and balanced life. The Cibola Citizen and our mental health partners at NM Department of Health remind readers about the importance of Mental Health.
In recent years, the understanding and acknowledgment of mental health issues have grown significantly. There has been a shift in society's perception, moving away from stigmatization towards acceptance and support. May, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, plays a pivotal role in fostering this change by providing a platform to educate, advocate, and promote understanding about mental health.
The impact of mental health on individuals, families, communities, and societies cannot be underestimated. Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions can hinder personal growth, impair relationships, affect productivity, and contribute to a range of physical health problems. By addressing mental health concerns proactively, we can help prevent the development of more severe conditions and reduce the burden on individuals and society as a whole.
One of the essential aspects of mental health awareness is breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. Encouraging open conversations about mental health helps dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. It allows people to share their experiences, find support, and discover that they are not alone in their struggles. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, we can create an environment of understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Education is another key factor in promoting mental health. By providing accurate information about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available resources, we empower individuals to recognize when they or someone they know may need support. Education also plays a crucial role in training healthcare professionals, teachers, employers, and others to identify signs of mental distress and offer appropriate assistance.
Additionally, destigmatizing mental health issues in the workplace is of utmost importance. Creating work environments that prioritize employee well-being, offer mental health resources, and promote work-life balance can significantly contribute to the overall mental health of individuals. Supporting employees in managing stress, fostering a culture of open communication, and providing access to mental health services can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.
As we bid farewell to Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to remember that the conversation around mental health should not be limited to a single month. It is a yearround commitment to understanding, empathy, and support. We must continue to advocate for mental health, challenge stigmas, and work towards creating a society that values and prioritizes mental wellbeing.
Each one of us has a role to play in promoting mental health. It starts with taking care of ourselves— practicing selfcare, seeking help when needed, and prioritizing our mental well-being. We can extend this care to others by offering a listening ear, providing support, and being mindful of our words and actions. By collectively embracing mental health as an essential part of our lives, we can build a healthier, more compassionate world for everyone.
What is Mindfulness?
M indfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall wellbeing, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.