What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Overview
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We celebrate this month to spread information about the importance of mental health and to celebrate, support, and advocate for ourselves, our friends, and our family members through the mental health journey.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
While mental health is not a new concept, American society is just starting to grow more comfortable talking about it in the public sphere. Because of this, there are still quite a few myths and misconceptions floating around about mental health and those struggling with their mental health. Let’s debunk some!
- Myth: Mental illness is rare.
- Truth: According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 1 in 5 U.S adults live with a mental illness!
- Myth: Therapy is only for people who need immediate help.
- Truth: People can seek therapy for a multitude of reasons! For one, therapy is a solid option to reflect on yourself and identify personal, self-fulfilling goals to work towards. If you are interested in therapy, regardless of if you have a mental illness, go for it!
- Myth: Seeking help is for the weak or means that you have failed.
- Truth: It is beyond commendable to identify and voice when you need help; never feel less than because you are advocating for yourself, your needs, and most importantly, your health!
Taking Care of Yourself
How to Better Support Yourself
Before you can be there for anyone, it is so important to first be there for yourself! Here are some little tips and tricks that you can add to your daily life to start improving your mental wellbeing!
- Identifying Triggers: This starts with a bit of soul-searching! Try to pin-point what in your environment makes you anxious, sad, angry, etc. and determine what adaptive behaviors you could use when dealing with these occurences.
- Goal Setting: Starting your journey to greater mental wellbeing can seem like quite the daunting task! However, it is not as scary as it may seem! Start with small goals of things you would like to implement in your daily routine that would increase your wellbeing (ex. journaling, getting more sleep, etc.) that builds upon your bigger, overarching goals!
- Support System: Build up your support system with people who you trust and are comfortable with. This can be your friends, family, co-workers, etc.!
How to Better Support Your Friends
Part of being a good friend is knowing how to best support your friend, even in tough situations. Take note of these suggestions for how to support your friends and their mental health.
- Checking In: Sometimes, we do not realize our friends are struggling until we see concerning, out-of-character behaviors. Before it gets to that point, it could be as simple as asking your friend how they are doing or letting them know that you are there for them. Additional tip: if your friend chooses to disclose their troubles to you, it may be helpful to ask if they would rather just rant or if they would like your opinion. Sometimes, they might just want to complain and that’s ok!
- Avoiding Judgement: Whether your friend wants to talk about what they are going through or not, it is so important to be open for them and welcome them with open arms. They may find that reaching out is difficult for them and being met with judgement, disdain, or annoyance can close them off really quick. Practice empathy!
- Knowing Your Limits: While I know we want to care for our friends to the fullest, you must recognize that your help may only go so far. If you think your friend needs more than just your help, do not feel bad or afraid to admit that because they deserve the best help available! Do not sacrifice yourself and your wellbeing for the wellbeing of someone else; your health and safety should come first!
Mental Health & Wellness Apps You Should Know
Headspace
“The mental health app for every moment.” – Headspace
Available for free on App Store and Google Play.
Calm
“Calm your mind. Change your life.” – Calm
Available for free on App Store and Google Play.
Finch
“Your new self care best friend.” – Finch
Available for free on App Store and Google Play.
UMD Mental Health Resources
While at UMD, make sure to take advantage of the mental health services that are available to you! Below are two on-campus resources that could certainly help you discover your mental health journey!
Counseling Center
Offers individual/group therapy sessions and more; free to all UMD students!
The University Health Center
Offers psychiatric consultation and treatment options; available to students on the University Health Insurance.
For more resources, please click here.
UMD Mental Health Awareness Student Organization
Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity, curiosity, and courage for a truly fulfilling journey.
UMD Student Org TerpLinks & Websites
- Help Center: TerpLink, Website
- Mental Health Coalition: Website
- Active Minds UMD: TerpLink
- Lean on Me: TerpLink, Website
- M.E.M.O.: TerpLink, Website (LinkTree)
Helpful Reminders
I’ll let you in on a DSAC secret! I like to end all meetings with a Cydney-ism, a cute, little quote to help the council get through the week. I want to take this final section of this edition of the DSAC Digest to share some of the Cydney-isms I have shared with the council, in hopes that these little nuggets help you in your mental health journey!
Important Phone Numbers
If you are experiencing an emergency mental health crisis, please refer to the numbers below. If such emergency is life threatening, immediately call 911! You are not alone, please reach out! ❤
Text HOME to 741741
UMD Counseling Center
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After Hours Crisis Support: 301-314-7651
UMD Police Dept.
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Emergency Line: 301-405-3333
301-741-3442
UMD Help Center
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301-314-HELP (4357)
UMD Campus Chaplains
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301-314-9893
What’s Up With DSAC?
The BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council always has some amazing events planned each month so, what’s happening this month? Take a peek below!
May
Coming soon!
BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council 