Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. Since the 2020 pandemic began, mental health has taken a drastic decline and the amount of people affected is continuing to rise as our Nation and World endures more and more traumatic events.

Taking Care of Our Mental Health Amid the Violence of 2023

Uvalde, Cleveland, and now Allen. Through less than five months in 2023, in Texas, 29 people have been killed and 61 injured. Texas is one of two states in the U.S. with 17 mass shootings this year, compared to a national average of 4.04. Nationwide, there have been at least 202 mass shootings this year, leaving 276 people dead, 792 injured, and countless others struggling to cope with stress and fear for themselves and others. 

This epidemic of violence tears at the fabric of society and takes a toll on everyone’s feelings of well-being and safety. Even second-hand exposure to these events through media coverage can have short- and long-term consequences for our individual mental health, with effects ranging from momentary anxiety, shock, numbness, headaches, and trouble sleeping to a more sustained sense that the areas where we live and work are no longer safe places. The lasting effects can cause loss of motivation and interest at work and home, decreased productivity, detachment, and depression.  

When someone is directly involved in this type of event, the effects can be much more profound. According to the National Center for PTSD, in the aftermath of mass violence, most direct survivors and responders tend to experience stress reactions that gradually diminish over time. However, individuals with particular risk factors may endure lasting consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even individuals who are not personally involved in a traumatic event may experience PTSD, particularly when the violence hits close to home, and especially after an accumulation of unsettling reports across the state and country. 

Effective Coping Strategies to Practice

If you are feeling impacted by the violence of 2023, directly or through media exposure, here are some effective coping strategies that can help restore your sense of equilibrium and well-being:

Talk about your state of mind: Discuss your experience and seek assistance from individuals who are concerned about your well-being and willing to listen to your worries. Receiving support and care can provide comfort and reassurance. Talking with others who are having similar experiences can also be beneficial, as it helps to alleviate feelings of isolation. Talking with your children and assessing what help they may need is also essential, as the exposure to mass shootings weighs heavily on them.

Seek employer-provided counseling resources: Employer-provided or health benefit plan counseling services can offer a safe space to process your feelings and receive support from a licensed mental health professional. Many DFW employers offer these services at no cost or at a reduced rate, making them a more affordable option for those who may be facing financial constraints.

Recognize when friends, family, and coworkers may need support: Indicators of distress include alterations in eating and sleeping patterns, energy levels, and moods. Keep an eye out for regressive behaviors in children such as clinginess and anxiety, and intense emotional responses in adults, like a desire for retribution. If necessary, direct individuals to licensed professional counselors and employer-provided counseling resources who can provide necessary support.

Prioritize your well-being by engaging in healthy habits: Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals, get sufficient rest, and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Avoid turning to alcohol or drugs as they can stifle or amplify your emotions instead of aiding you in managing and reducing your distress. If you experience difficulty sleeping, attempt relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Tune Out Media Coverage: A recent ScienceAdvances report establishes that viewing and sharing graphic depictions of violent events through media can be detrimental to our well-being. When individuals are exposed to news of a mass killing, they not only exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress, but are also more inclined to consume coverage of subsequent tragedies. This pattern creates a distressing cycle, wherein viewers continue to consume media related to mass killings, leading to further symptoms of helplessness and hopelessness. Though tuning out may seem selfish, it isn’t. If you feel stuck in a pattern of distress, it’s best to turn your focus toward something more uplifting. 

By taking care of ourselves, we can better cope with the stress and anxiety that may arise from exposure to violence. Remember to be aware of the signs of distress in yourself and those around you, and don't hesitate to seek help from licensed professionals. Let's make a conscious effort to establish healthy habits, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, and sufficient rest, to boost our resilience and improve our overall well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we can build a stronger, more resilient community and workforce, together.

Click HERE for 7 Additional Ways to Balance Mental Health!