by Farah R
Edited by Hannaan Fuad
In a labyrinth of rapid life, Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in May every year. May, a festive month, acts as a month of appreciation. Following the month of awareness concerning mental health, it is important to highlight a few important aspects that all of us need to pay attention to.
With a powerful confluence of themes, 2024 World Mental Health Awareness Month’s call to “Move: Moving more for our mental health” beautifully aligns with the spirit of Semicolon Day. Both initiatives celebrate resilience. This theme aims to encourage people with mental health to walk, to move, and to make their days worth counting.
While the month emphasises physical movement’s benefits for mental well-being, Semicolon Day, with its poignant symbol, reminds us that our stories, like sentences, can be continued. Both World Mental Health Awareness Month and Semicolon Day remind us that movement–whether physical or emotional– is key to overcoming challenges and continuing to write our own journeys along the way.
BetterHelp, recognised as the world’s largest therapy service, appeared with the hope of making mental health accessible to everyone while eliminating the traditional barriers. Concerning the increasing suicide rate worldwide, BetterHelp kindles a spotlight towards global mental health status by nurturing awareness not only for those who struggle with their mental health but also by educating people about the issue.
Inspire hope
While it is undeniable that everyone in this world may face difficulties, it is important to note that, as human beings, we ought to be by each other’s side, showing support and hope. If you know anyone struggling mentally, be the light for them. Be a radiant illumination for their dimmed spirits. We will never know how our buoyant actions and words might miraculously spark a genuine connection and save a precious life.
Educate others about mental well-being
Undoubtedly, in this modern, intricately woven world, social media is recognised as a powerful tool to raise awareness. Social media is universally connected; therefore, subsequently, it may intertwine the audiences who can relate to each other, and this may help boost the message. While educating others regarding this matter, it is also important to equip ourselves with a nonjudgmental attitude when sharing information on mental health.
Support mental health organisations
In Malaysia, there are several rapidly growing mental health organisations, such as MIASA, MMHA, MENTARI, Befrienders, and more. Integrating into a group that concisely focuses on mental well-being might give us insights to get first-hand lessons and information that we can contribute for the sake of those who are struggling behind the mask. You may click here to see more about organisations and associations advocating for mental well-being.
Compassion is part of human nature that prompts us to care for one another’s mental health. The semicolon symbol has inspired us that it is more than just a punctuation mark that ends the sentence; rather, it connotes a dynamic stretch. It signifies a subtle reminder that we are all here to survive while moving forward towards triumph. Although our stories might appear incomplete, we can still continue to move the pen. Keep the story going.
With the might of life behold, let’s build a comfortable place especially for those who are battling silently with mental health problems–a break to celebrate their strength and connect with other lives.
Images courtesy of National Institute of Health (NIH)
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