Today is Mental Health Action Day. This day spreads the message that, just like our physical health, we can take actions to improve our mental health. There is no health without mental health.

In recent years, our community has seen dramatic impacts upon our mental health. The global pandemic isolated us and many people sought out mental health support only to find it unavailable.

Our youth struggled with increased rates of anxiety and depression, with limited access to support because the adults in their lives were also struggling. Schools–often a place of refuge–struggled to provide enough resources. Add to this the continued & constant struggle for racial justice, increased hate crimes against already struggling communities, and higher costs of food, housing and consumer goods, many people’s mental health was dramatically impacted.

Luckily, communities saw these needs and stepped up. From mutual aid organizing to youth conferences about mental health to expanded telehealth options, communities found ways to support those struggling.

Today, we encourage you to take action in support of the mental health of yourself, your loved ones, or the community at large. Here are our calls for action and some ways to support our community’s mental health:

• Do something for our own mental health. Self care looks different for everyone, but here are a few suggestions. Take a walk or exercise. Mediate. Journal. Listen to awesome music or a wellness podcast. Make a gratitude list. Seek help from a friend or professional. Rest and relax. Read a book. There is no one way to take care of your mental health.

• Learn what mental health resources are available to you and your community. 

  • Get started on your mental health journey by learning from mentalhealthishealth.us.

  • The DC Department of Behavioral Health has a list of support services at https://dbh.dc.gov/page/where-get-help.

• Know who to call if mental health needs are immediate. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. This service is confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

• Consider making a therapy appointment. It is ok to not be ok. Deciding to get support for your mental health can be challenging, but we encourage you to review your healthcare coverage (if you have a plan) and see what may be available. Consider these resources as you get started:

  • Here are some suggestions from Self magazine about why it might be time to consider therapy.

  • Want a virtual option? Check out this article from Everyday Health that compares some of the most popular options.

• Afraid of making that therapy appointment call?  Here’s a quick script: Hi, I’m calling to schedule a therapy appointment. I have been feeling [EMOTION; e.g., sad, anxious] or struggling with [BEHAVIOR; e.g., drinking, arguing] lately and am hoping I can talk to someone about it.”

• Share your story of how you are taking care of your mental health on social media. Use the hashtags  #MentalHealthAction, #MentalHealthIsHealth & #HealthActionAlliance.

• Donate to organizations that support mental health. Consider the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Active Minds, or The Women’s Center.