The adage “health is wealth” remains a true testament to what really counts in life, as a lack of good health can negatively impact the rest of our individual worlds — personal, professional, financial, residential and more. Although “health is wealth” may have traditionally referred to our physical selves, this, especially by the 21st century, has thankfully grown to encompass our mental health. Because our state of mind can be the most powerful indicator of our overall well-being.
No Health Without Mental Health
Founded more than a century ago, Mental Health America is the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being and illness prevention. Every May since 1949, Mental Health America (known as MHA) has chosen a theme to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, as well as to celebrate recovery from mental illness. This year’s theme for Mental Health Month, “Turn Awareness into Action,” catapults MHA’s campaign to equip individuals, organizations and communities with practical steps and tools to drive tangible and meaningful change for better mental health.
Increasingly, mental health has been a prominent part of public conversation and consciousness, with more psychosomatic connections coming to light. Conditions such as anxiety and depression continuing to manifest in the form of various physical symptoms has further underscored the undeniable mental-physical intertwining. As another expression goes, “stress kills.”
Consider the following sobering statistics:
- According to MHA, each year, 43.8 million American adults — one in five — experience some sort of mental illness issue. And about half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives, with symptoms starting by age 14 for the majority of people.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 49,476 Americans died by suicide in 2022, making it the 11th leading cause of death. Statistically, a suicide occurred every 11 minutes. In addition, an estimated 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide.
Also notable in 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) became the nationwide dialing code for connecting with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors, with accessibility via call, text or chat.
COVID-19 Pandemic Repercussions
By that time, the COVID-19 pandemic had produced mental health repercussions for Americans, with many experiencing a strong sense of isolation as a result of lockdowns, as well as increased stress over mortality, financial survival, their children’s education and the like. Stressful circumstances of loss — whether the death of a loved one, a chronic illness, the deterioration of a marriage, crippling debt, natural disasters that wipe out one’s home, a disabling injury, etc. — can naturally lead to mental health deterioration.
On top of that, a person’s DNA might make them susceptible to a mental health condition, just as an individual may be more prone to facing cancer, diabetes or heart disease due to their genetic makeup, no matter how healthy their lifestyle might be.
Our society has made inroads destigmatizing mental health conditions and diagnoses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but we still collectively need more understanding and awareness.
The Case for Women’s Mental Health
In addition to all the aforementioned factors, women particularly face depressing societal challenges, especially in industries that have long been led by men. This can take the form of workplace exposure to misogynistic behavior, sexual harassment or patriarchal attitudes. Then, there’s the potentially looming glass ceiling — whether real or perceived. (Perceived because it seems like a veiled eventuality, or real because it actually is.)
To boot, along with these forms of gender bias, women are often the architects of both homes and careers, juggling multiple responsibilities. This makes it imperative for them to prioritize their mental well-being. Add hormonal changes unique to women into the mix with cumulative stressors and, collectively, it can all make for a recipe for mental health breakdown. Women may also hesitate to seek help specifically due to societal expectations or fear of being judged.
Whether personally or professionally, one of the most powerful ways women can support each other is by practicing empathy and active listening. Taking the time to truly understand another woman’s struggles — without judgment — creates a safe space for expressing emotions, and it can truly make a significant difference.
Ripples make waves. WAVIT and its allies continue to exemplify this by supporting women, mindfully facilitating a safer, more comfortable and more inclusive society. ArtisanSamurai / stock.adobe.com
Women Making Waves in AV/IT
Support from friends, family members and community members can play a pivotal role in maintaining mental health. Women are intuitively adept at creating networks to share experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms. This supportive community fosters a sense of belonging and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.
The workplace is no exception. In the AV/IT industry, women represent a small fraction of the workforce. WAVIT, a non-profit organization, was therefore created by women in the AV/IT industries to provide a network that supports and empowers women through education, representation and inclusion.
Members of WAVIT know that ripples make waves and that we must support women in any way possible to make them feel safer, more comfortable and more confident. As an organization, WAVIT provides a platform for open dialogue and professional development, as well as strategies for overcoming barriers ranging from gender bias to navigating leadership roles. Collectively, its members rather focus on what they all bring to the table, highlighting opportunities rather than challenges. That’s because, although women face distinct challenges, they still continue to break new ground, often overcoming enormous hurdles and excelling in their careers along the way.
WAVIT’s Wellness Committee creates ways to support the physical and mental well-being of members and the industry through education, awareness and advocacy. The activities and programs that they’ve developed and executed prioritize healthy habits — both physical and mental — and provide resources and support for members.
A.C.T.I.O.N.: Be Seen in Green!
The international color for mental health awareness, green, symbolizes fresh starts, optimism and energy. Wearing green or even just adding a touch of it to your space makes a bold statement: “I care about mental health!” To support this mission, WAVIT launched its “Be Seen in Green” campaign in May to coincide with MHA’s Mental Health Month. The organization asked members of the AV/IT community throughout the month of May to snap a selfie to encourage awareness of mental health. Because mental health can’t wait.
As the COVID-19 pandemic proved, community is key; isolation can wreak havoc on one’s mental health. Reaching out — whether spending time with loved ones and trusted friends, joining a collaborative support group experiencing similar challenges or sharing feelings with a psychotherapist — is the way out of the dark tunnel that mental health issues can perpetuate. Living in a world composed of more than eight billion people underscores how necessary supportive communities and our “inner circles” are.
The more we reach out, the more we learn that, most likely, every family has had some significant challenge. Maybe not in the same generation, but the informal saying of “everyone has something” — clichéd or oversimplified as it might seem — is true. Yet, we can always find something to be grateful for, no matter how dire things are. Here in the U.S., we live in a privileged country with many resources, despite how tumultuous circumstances may seem worldwide.
Methods of Self-Care
Then, there are the various methods of self-care that every individual needs to recharge and restore. Sure, vacations and getaways can renew one’s soul and spirit, but daily “departures” are central to one’s mental health and overall well-being.
For example, consider any one of the following:
- walking in nature
- listening to a guided meditation
- pursuing a hobby
- working out at the gym
- playing a favorite album
- watching a comedy
- cuddling with a pet
- journaling
- practicing yoga
- reading an uplifting book
- attending services at a house of worship
- donating time to an organization helping those in need
And sometimes, clinical remedies, such as anti-depressants prescribed by a psychiatrist, play a necessary role, as well. Those represent another piece of the wellness puzzle that merits no shame.
MHA’s Mental Health Month is all about turning this awareness of mental health into measurable actions, helping break down stigmas and encouraging open dialogues. With a plethora of additional information available on its website, MHA uses the acronym of A.C.T.I.O.N. to help bolster mental health. Here’s what each letter stands for:
- A – Assess your mental health needs and the resources available to you.
- C – Choose a course of action.
- T – Take steps toward care. Now, it’s time to put your plan into action!
- I – Identify additional supports.
- O – Observe what’s working or what’s not.
- N – Nurture yourself.
How are you doing? Please remember that it’s never too soon to seek treatment for mental health challenges. Getting help early does save lives.
Because there’s no health without mental health.
Yvonne Koulouthros is founder and owner of WayWithWords.com.
