Beyond May: The Ongoing Importance of Mental Health Awareness

It is so important to make the time and effort to prioritise every aspect of your wellbeing - because you matter.

By Ramandeep Kaur Sangha, Featured Writer.

May is ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’. Originally started in America in 1949, it serves as a powerful annual reminder to slow down, reflect, and prioritize our mental and emotional well-being. Conversations about mental health should happen every day—not just for one week or one month each year. However, this month offers a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of those who have navigated (or continue to navigate) struggle, to share stories, and to highlight ways we can support ourselves and others.

In the spirit of openness, I wanted to share some personal thoughts and answer a few questions on what mental health means to me, how I care for my well-being, and most importantly, why this month matters and the importance of carrying its message forward.

What does mental health mean to you?

“Mental health means properly looking after myself in all aspects. Mental health affects physical health, and physical health affects mental health. Our health as a whole is all connected, and it determines how we show up, which is why my wellbeing comes before anything. They say health is the greatest wealth, which for me is completely true - my life feels richer, happier and the most fulfilling when I take care of myself, as I both should do and deserve to. I have experienced both very poor and very good mental health, and I think that's the case for all of us. We know what both ends of the spectrum feel like. So now more than ever, I am putting my mental health first. Because to me, it means everything.”

What’s one thing that helps you protect or improve your mental health?

“It's extremely hard to pinpoint one thing, as there are so many things I do to look after my mental health. The one thing I will discuss here is gratitude. I think about everything that is going right. We can be so easily focussed on the negative, that we forget about all the good, beauty and blessings in our life. I spend a few minutes here and there throughout the day remembering what and who I am grateful for, and not forgetting why. Our mindset determines our reality, and so I remind myself to think good so that I can experience good. (One of the best life hacks I can give you honestly!). Since becoming more intentionally grateful and positive minded, I have noticed the positive impact this has had on my mental and emotional health. As a result, I experience less worry and stress, and instead more joy and peace. Remember, gratitude is a daily practice, so be consistent with it and you shall reap the rewards!”

Can you share a time when movement or being active helped your mental wellbeing?

“Every single day! Moving my body does such wonders for me. Weight training at the gym 4-5 times a week, and going for swims, runs, walks and hikes, all help protect and improve my mental wellbeing. Exercise is a big factor in contributing to my mental, emotional and of course physical wellness (I would not be mentally sane without it!). But on a serious note, movement helps me process and release any negative thoughts or feelings I have. I can walk into the gym feeling sad or frustrated, and leave feeling happy from the high of endorphins, as if I'm on top of the world! (That post workout feeling really is like no other, if you know, you know). Showing up for myself while becoming stronger and healthier through movement is so important to me, that it has become a non-negotiable. I cannot imagine my life without exercise - it really has changed my life for the better.”

What advice would you give to young people who might be struggling?

“Talk. There is so much power and strength in being vulnerable and opening up to someone about what you are going through, whether it be big or small. This “someone” can be absolutely anyone - a friend, family member, therapist, colleague, even a stranger. There are also so many mental health services, helplines, and charities that are there to support you too. As a Volunteer Childline Counsellor, I can confidently say that talking can truly change your life. I have had many young people talk through their problems and worries with me, and have witnessed them begin their journey to better themselves and their life - all through the power of talking. Please remember that you are NEVER alone in your struggles, and you should not have to go through bad times without some support. Sometimes you just have to be a little brave and reach out, but that's not a problem for you, because you're super brave! There will always be someone around to listen and offer a helping hand.”

Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important to you?

“It is so important to raise awareness of mental and emotional wellbeing, and have conversations with each other about this within our homes, workplaces, and communities. I aim to do this all year round, but during this month I take the opportunity to spend more time raising awareness, checking in on those around me, and checking in with myself too. As a whole we have made huge steps forward to improving our mental health, however we also have more and even bigger steps to take and problems to tackle - and it all starts with each one of us. For this Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is ‘community’ - and it is so important now more than ever to lean on, and support, our communities. It is within our communities that we can access support and feel a sense of belonging. It is a space where everyone adds value, and where everyone can benefit from this too; contributing to the wellness of others. One quote that is in my mind often, and fits perfectly with this year's theme – “When you help someone, you help everyone” (Aunt May - Spiderman). To explain this simply, the ripple effect your kindness and compassion can have, may well be extraordinary. So be kind, and spare those few minutes for them - and a few for you too.”

As the month of May comes to a close, everyone will take away different things. Whatever realisations, lessons or truths you have learnt, I hope that they stay with you and have a positive impact on your life and on those around you. It is so important to make the time and effort to prioritise every aspect of your wellbeing - because you matter.

I wish you a happy and healthy rest of the year!

Sending you love and light,

Raman x