May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental health and work towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health is an essential part of overall health and wellbeing, and it is important to prioritize and take care of it just as we are encouraged to do with our physical health.

Mental health is not just about the absence of mental illness. Good mental health means feeling good about yourself, having a positive outlook on life, and having healthy relationships with others. It involves taking care of your mind, body, and soul through activities such as exercise, meditation, and therapy.
One way to take care of your mental health is to practice self-care. Self-care means doing things that regulate and calm your nervous system and/or bring you joy/contentment/connection/peace. This could be as simple as taking a hot bath, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. It may also involve spiritual or creative practices, or taking time for intentional rest and self-reflection. It is essential to take time for yourself and prioritize your mental health, even if it means saying no to others.

Another way to prioritize your mental health is to seek help when you need it. This may mean talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Seeking help does not make you weak, and we want you to remember that you are not alone. Many people struggle with mental health issues, and there are resources available to help you. You might be surprised at how utilizing resources like mental health lines, therapists, and or online support groups can really help you to feel less alone and more clear-minded.

We feel that it is essential to recognize that mental health affects everyone, but some communities are disproportionately impacted due to unique experiences and barriers to accessing culturally competent mental health care. This is especially true for People of Color and those on the gender/sexual spectrum.

For example, People of Color may experience higher levels of stress due to systemic racism and discrimination, leading to an increased risk of developing mental health issues. These same individuals may also face barriers to accessing mental health care due to a lack of resources, stigma, and cultural differences in understanding and approaching mental health.

Similarly, those on the gender/sexual spectrum may experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma due to discrimination, rejection, and violence. Unfortunately, these individuals may also face barriers to accessing mental health care due to a lack of LGBTQ+ friendly mental health professionals or a fear of discrimination or mistreatment in traditional mental health settings.

Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize access to not just culturally competent mental health care but also anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-hetero- or cis-normative care and to have resources for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. This may mean seeking out mental health professionals who specialize in working with marginalized communities, providing education and training to mental health providers to address cultural differences, and promoting mental health resources that are accessible and affirming to all. Spaces Therapy seeks to hire and train clinicians in this model to ensure that we are living out one of our values: Inclusivity.

Finally, it's crucial to remember that mental health is a journey, and it's okay to have bad days. Recovery is not a linear process, and you may have to take things one day at a time. Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Your mental health struggles are not a weakness.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to prioritize and celebrate mental health! Let's work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable talking about their mental health struggles. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek help when needed, and practice self-compassion. Mental health is essential, and taking care of it is a sign of strength.

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