May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as "Mental Health Month") was first observed in the United States in May 1949 and raises awareness of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.  In mid-March the organization releases a toolkit of materials that serves as a guide to prepare for the year’s various outreach activities. This May will mark the organization’s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.   

Last year’s theme was Fitness #4Mind4Body and focused on helping individuals determine what they could do to increase their fitness for the future regardless of where they were on their own personal journey to health and wellness.  The 2019 theme continues along those lines and takes it to the next level. It explores the “topics of animal companionship (including pets and support animals), spirituality, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.”  

The National Mental Health Association says that each year more than one in five Americans experience a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.  Thus their goal is to make people aware of the signs and symptoms of these problems so they can help affected family members or friends get the care and treatment they need.    

The University of Michigan suggests several things we can do to protect our mental health.  The first is to value ourselves. They say be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Each day make time for hobbies or enjoyable projects and try to broaden your horizons.  Then care for your body, which includes avoiding cigarettes, drinking plenty of water, eating nutritional food, and exercising. Also get plenty of sleep. Maintain strong family and/or social connections and try to do something to help someone else.  They also it is important to learn how to deal with stress, and remember to smile.

As one of the most exceptional assisted living facilities in the area, MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community will offer wellness programs and activities, resort-style amenities and fine dining.  Visit our website for pricing and availability.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting.  Please visit our Information Center to learn more about the most luxurious and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source:

mentalhealthamerica.net/may?gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-aJ26fekuOY7UWmuIvN30xSrigALt1YrKIgxKpmsGRrvo293M7QPsRoCF5QQAvD_BwE

uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare