MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Each May, the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) promotes Mental Health Month along with other national organizations to raise awareness about mental health and to reduce stigma. This Mental Health Month’s theme is “Tools 2 Thrive,” and provides practical tools that individuals can use daily to prioritize mental health, build resiliency and better cope with the challenges of COVID-19.
“I am excited to celebrate Mental Health Month. We all face challenges that can impact our mental health. This month is a perfect time to learn how to improve your mental health and increase your resiliency,” said Alabama Commissioner of Mental Health, Kimberly Boswell.
It is critical to have tools to support ourselves and others, when faced with challenges. We encourage individuals to explore the Mental Health America toolkit which provides important tips and information called Tools2Thrive: Adapting After Trauma and Stress, Processing Big Changes, Getting Out of Thinking Traps, Radical Acceptance, Taking Time for Yourself and Dealing with Anger and Frustration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, focus on improving our mental health like we focus on our physical health. Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing. One way to check in with yourself is to take a screening at https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/. It is a quick, free and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental problems. With effective treatment, all individuals with mental illness, even serious mental illness, can make progress toward recovery and lead full productive lives.
We invite mental health providers and partners, and business, civic and faith-based communities to join in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care and talk about, share the toolkit and conduct awareness activities in their local communities.
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month, please contact the Office of Public Information at publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov or 334-242-3417.
