January is Mental Wellness Month – the perfect time to recharge and prioritize your mental health, while encouraging others to do the same. With studies showing that almost half of adults (46.4 percent) will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime in the United Sates, your commitment to advocating for mental health is needed now more than ever to help improve lives.

As we kick off the new year with Mental Wellness Month, here are five impactful ways you can show your support for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) this month and beyond. Join us in the movement to train 1 in every 15 people to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges so everyone has at least 1 person in their close network to provide support if needed.

1. Share Your Story

Each person’s Mental Health First Aider journey is uniquely worth sharing. Your story can inspire, educate and remind others of the power of support and resilience. Consider using platforms such as blogs, social media, or local events to share your insights and experience. By sharing your experiences, you can help others understand mental health and break down barriers of stigma.

Partner with us to tell your story! If you’d like your story to be featured in a future MHFA blog, fill out this form and we’ll connect with you.

2. Engage in Mental Health Conversations

When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a conversation about mental wellbeing, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support. Here are some ways you can engage in conversations:

• Initiate discussions around mental health at work, social circles, or online platforms.
• Create safe spaces for conversations, whether it’s by organizing workshops or simply engaging in open dialogue with friends and family.
• Share the value of workplace wellbeing through Mental Health First Aid at Work. You might need to convince your boss, or even their boss – we can help. Use this easily adapted email template, filled with everything you need to help get them on board. Download the pre-written email.

Your knowledge and expertise can spark meaningful discussions and encourage others to learn more about mental health.

3. Lead by Example: Practice Self-Care

As a First Aider, practicing self-care is not just beneficial for you but also sets an example for others. Prioritize your own mental health by implementing self-care routines and healthy coping mechanisms. Your self-care practices demonstrate the importance of looking after one’s mental wellbeing. Here are some ideas:

• Take a mental health day at work this month. Plan time away from stress to nurture your mental wellbeing.
• Use relaxation exercises such as meditation and deep breathing to help you manage stress.
• Aim for at least one relaxing activity every day, such as a short walk or 30 minutes spent unwinding, whether listening to music, reading or journaling.

4. Celebrate Your MHFA Pride

Wearing a badge of being a Mental Health First Aider is a way to show your commitment and advocacy. MHFA merchandise integrates your certification into attire, which can be a conversation starter with others. This Mental Wellness Month, by proudly displaying your MHFA pride, you can advocate for mental health destigmatization and spark essential conversations about mental wellbeing.

For a limited time, we’re extending an offer of 15% off MHFA merchandise! Show and share your MHFA pride with our products and apparel. Use discount code NEWYEAR15 for 15% off merchandise only at checkout. This offer is valid Jan. 1-31.* Visit our storefront to browse options.

5. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Join a Community

Get involved with mental health organizations or initiatives. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to support causes that align with MHFA principles. It could involve fundraising, participating in awareness campaigns, or contributing to policy discussions related to mental health.

• Consider getting trained in Mental Health First Aid today. As a trained First Aider, you will be able to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in your community. Being a First Aider is more than a certification—it’s a commitment to understanding, supporting, and championing mental health in our communities. Find a course here.
• Consider becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Instructors are the key to spreading Mental Health First Aid across the country, making an impact in their communities and beyond. Learn more.

Your commitment to nurturing mental wellbeing extends beyond your personal journey – your actions ultimately pave the path toward stronger, more compassionate and resilient communities. You can #BeTheDifference.

*Discount code NEWYEAR15 activates at 12:01 am on January 1, 2024 and expires at 11:59pm EST on January 31, 2024. Discount code is limited to one use per customer.

Sources:

Mental Health First Aid. (2019, February 6). 5 Surprising Mental Health Statistics. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/02/5-surprising-mental-health-statistics/