We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. Nearly half of Americans recall a time when we were not always connected. During that time, it was easier to ignore the noise of the world. In contrast, the younger half of the population can't imagine life without the internet.
Modern life can significantly impact mental health—for better or for worse. We can be deeply unsettled by disturbing imagery, readily available in today's media. At the same time, our current technology allows us to mobilize and provide collective support in times of natural disasters or injustice.
And ironically, while our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern. Recent survey data show that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely.
We can now have real-time conversations with friends and family on the other side of the world. However, this constant connection means we also know if we weren't invited to a friend's party down the street.
Finding a sense of calm and focusing on health and well-being can be daunting in our fast-paced society. It can be even more daunting when you have mental health concerns. Knowing where to start or where to look can be challenging for many people.
May is Mental Health Month, and CareerLearning is raising awareness on the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of the community to act to protect their mental, emotional, and overall well-being.
This May, CareerLearning will focus its efforts on helping members of the community to:
- LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.
Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and are unsure of where to start, take a free, private mental health test at mhascreening.org to determine the next steps.
Check out the U.S. Department of Labor's Mental Health at Work for resources to help employers follow the law and create workplaces prioritizing mental health: https://www.dol.gov/general/mental-health-at-work
It's important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won't happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can overcome the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself—and others—on an ongoing basis.