Your mental health is your top priority, which is why the Mental Health America (MHA) organization established it as a month in 1949.Its main purpose was to raise awareness regarding the significance of mental health and wellness in the lives of everyone, as well as to celebrate recovery from mental illness. This concept arose after World War II, when a huge number of troops suffered from mental illnesses as a result of the war’s traumatic experiences. Normalizing internal challenges aided the troops’ recovery and encouraged awareness among others who may be struggling, allowing them to strive toward their own recovery.

Many people today suffer from severe mental disease. Even some of your favorite celebrities may be dealing with mental health issues- that you may have never known about. Demi Lovato who is a singer/songwriter/actress, suffers from bipolar disorder, and she struggled to find ways to control and understand her emotions. She said, “For the first time in my life I started to feel.” Leonardo DiCaprio, who is an actor/film producer, faces a Obsessive-compulsive disorder and finds it hard to deal with those OCD urges, but he manages to keep it under control by saying, “OK, you’re being ridiculous. Stop stepping on every gum stain you see. You don’t need to do that.” Your family, friends, and people you look up to may be suffering from an illness, and That Is Okay!! Guide them, assist them in recovering and being their best selves. Assist them in not allowing the disorder to take over their life, body, and spirit.

Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.  -Matt Haig 

As the Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, it is still so important to take care of your mental health, following some strategies like constantly reminding yourself that you are not alone. Always paying attention to your body as well as your mind. Taking care of yourself, even when you don’t feel like it, and reaching out to others even if it may seem scary at first. These strategies can help you recover and become the person you were before the illness. Don’t let the illness win.

Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.    -Lauren Fogel Mersy