October is about raising awareness of mental health and how it can impact on anyone at any time. `Have the conversation’ is the theme of this year’s mental health awareness month. As October begins, it is a timely reminder to check in with your family, friends and conversation and start a genuine conversation about mental health.
Raising awareness about mental health does not have to be huge either, small steps tend to yield the greatest benefits.
Here are five simple actions you can do this month, and every month, to promote the importance of your mental wellbeing.
- Connect and check in with close friends, family and colleagues over a cup of tea or coffee.
- Keep active and get outside in nature t give your mind a break from the stressors of your day.
- Turn off your devices – or take a digital break away from bad news and stressful conversations that are impacting on your health.
- Be okay with being vulnerable. It is okay to be honest when a bad day and it is impacting your mental health. Talking about mental health struggles is the start of the recovery process.
- Set realistic goals and don’t try and do everything yourself. Overloading your mind is a sure-fire way to make yourself sick. Establish boundaries and focus on what you actually need to do and serve your goals for the day.
For more information on this year’s theme, please visit the SA Health website.
This month, take some time out to take a break and have a conversation about mental health.