May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Month and we’re joining Mental Health America (MHA) to focus on a simple, shared focus: helping people have more good days, together.  
MHA’s More Good Days, Together campaign is about helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting each other as whole people, and understanding that “good” is defined by unique and diverse experiences. 
This May, we invite you to join us as we explore ways to create moments of connection, joy, or other things that help you have a "good" day – whatever that looks like for you. 
1. Defining what “good” means to you.  
What does having a “good day” mean to you? 

Good can be defined as a lot of things to a lot of people; happy, productive, calm, comfortable, neutral – or something else entirely. The meaning itself can change as you do, too. Good days might include being able to leave work on time or sitting with friends at lunch. Sometimes, it might mean you were able to get out of bed or make it to class or work at all. 

No matter how you’re feeling at this moment, remember that more good days are possible, help is available, and you are not alone. Think about sharing what you come up with and invite others to think about it as well. 

2. Care for your whole self.  
It’s impossible to try and separate our bodies and minds completely. Our sleep, stress, relationships, nutrition, environment, and other health conditions all impact – and are impacted by – our mental health.  

Things that affect our health aren’t always within our control. Even when we can’t change everything, noticing what we can influence is important for our well-being. Whether it’s finding ways to move that you enjoy, connecting with your peers in school clubs, remembering to drink water, or actually taking a lunch break – small wins matter.
 
When setting goals or trying to build habits, consider prioritizing things that care for both your physical and mental health – or at least identifying how the two might be connected in your daily life. 

3. Work together for more good days. 
Connection and community play an important role in having more good days, together.  

Even small moments of connection – virtual or in person – can help to reduce stress and anxiety and remind us that we’re not the only ones feeling what we’re feeling. You don’t have to carry the weight of “not-so-good” days alone. 

Check in with a friend between classes, colleagues between meetings, or just reach out loved ones to see how they’re doing. Don’t be afraid to ask others if you’re the one in need of encouragement, either.

Working together may also mean looking outside of our immediate circles by caring for our communities through advocacy, volunteering, or creating spaces for people who may not know where else to go. Good change happens with intention 

4. Find your own path. 
Nationally, 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health condition each year – youth follow closely behind at 1 in 5 – and every one of them is learning how to manage their mental health each day. 
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The path to better days is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to explore which practices, treatments, or other supports best fit your unique needs and circumstances. 

If you’re feeling discouraged by not knowing how to have more good days or you know someone else who is, professional help is available at Thrive. To seek out services, call 734-436-4249 to complete a brief screening over the phone or find us at JFSAnnArbor.org/Thrive to complete the online form.