In our everyday lives, we should strive to take care of our mental health and encourage others to do the same. May has been observed to highlight the importance of mental health awareness. Introduced by Mental Health America, Mental Health Month was first observed in the United States in 1949. To learn more about Mental Health America, click here. 

Ways to Prioritize Mental Health

There are many opportunities to recognize and celebrate mental health this month. 

1. Start or Increase Your Current Mental Health Practices: 

Incorporate mental health exercises into your daily routine.  

Example: Spend fifteen extra minutes walking, meditating, or enjoying time with loved ones. 

2. Evaluate and Re-Envision Your Current Mental Health Practices.

Take time to reflect on your current mental health and practices and adjust them as desired. 

Example: Change up your routine, practice in a different location or at a different time.

3. Try New Techniques to Promote Mental Health

See what techniques work for you and if you want to add them to your mental health practice toolbox. 

Example: Review this list and pick a new practice to try on for size. 

4. Reduce Negative Impacts on Mental Health

Be firm with yourself and others pertaining to your mental health needs. 

Example: Set your alarm to help you get up in the morning and spend time doing spiritual practices, exercising or journaling. Limit time with loved ones that negatively affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. 

5. Spread the Word About Mental Health Awareness

Share your mental health practices with others. 

Example: Encourage a family member or friend to walk with you, try meditation with you, or discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries. 

Inspirational Quotes for Mental Health Awareness

Below are quotes about mental health that you can reflect on throughout this month. 

• “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen
  
  
• "You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared and anxious. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.” - Lori Deschene
  
  
• "Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain, and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” - Matt Haig
  
  
• “Self-care is how you take your power back.” – Lalah Delia
  
  
• “What I love about therapy is that they’ll tell you what your blind spots are. Although that’s uncomfortable and painful, it gives you something to work with.” – Pink

Seeking Help and Resources

There are many ways to improve our mental health and spread awareness of its importance to others. The examples shared here are a small list of options. A mental health therapist can assist you with identifying practices that best fit your specific needs. 

No issue is small if it is affecting your mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance by dialing or texting 988.

And remember, you do not have to figure things out alone! The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help! We offer FREE counseling to you and your household members. We specialize in individual, couple and family issues. We can also provide referrals to other community resources as needed. 

Contact the Methodist Healthcare Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 901.683.5658 or visit www.methodisteapcanhelp.org.

Tera Brownlee Warfield, LPC-MHSP

Counselor

Tera Brownlee Warfield is a licensed professional counselor designated as a mental health services provider. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and her Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Memphis. Tera has experience counseling children, teens, and adults in various inpatient and outpatient settings. She has a passion for walking alongside clients as they heal and helping them navigate life transitions. Tera is a native Memphian and enjoys reading, spending time with family, traveling, and attending live entertainment shows.