What Can I Do To Honor Mental Health And Anxiety Awareness Month?
The month is intended to draw attention to all kinds of mental health conditions, and anxiety is one of these. While there’s no official month for anxiety awareness at this time, there are plenty of actions you can take to learn more about and promote awareness of anxiety disorders during Mental Health Awareness Month and year-round.
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Find your matchWhat is anxiety?
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.” While many people may experience normal moments of stress and tension from time to time, clinical anxiety refers to such symptoms that are long-term and persistent.
Anxiety disorders are a category of diagnosable, clinical mental illnesses that can consistently impact a person’s daily functioning and often require treatment, which usually includes some form of psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. There are various types of anxiety disorders, such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
How common is anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common categories of mental illness. Globally, an estimated 275 million people live with an anxiety disorder, according to the World Economic Forum.
This translates to anywhere from 2.5–6.5% of the population per country worldwide living with anxiety. Given its prevalence, anxiety is a key point of discussion and research among mental health professionals during Mental Health Month and year-round.
While many people experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder, a large portion of them never seek or receive treatment due to lack of availability, financial barriers, stigma, or other reasons. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that only 36.9% of people with anxiety disorders seek treatment. Even as anxiety and related topics become more common in everyday conversations and in mainstream media, many people remain hesitant to open up about mental health challenges and seek the help they deserve. Given these statistics, the need for mental health advocacy, anxiety awareness, and support for those with anxiety disorders is significant.
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Related mental health awareness months
In the US, there isn’t an “official” month for anxiety awareness. However, there are several national organizations that set aside specific weeks and months to raise awareness for various mental health challenges and mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders. If you’re interested in taking part in events to promote anxiety awareness, looking into the organizations that recognize a specific awareness month is one potential place to begin.
Mental Health Awareness Month
As mentioned above, Mental Health Month is organized by Mental Health America (MHA) and recognized each May. It was founded by MHA and its partners in 1949 and continues to provide resources and facilitate critical conversations about mental health and health awareness in general today.
Stress Awareness Month
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has designated April as Stress Awareness Month in the US. The NIH defines stress broadly as “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension”, noting that it’s not always bad, but that ongoing or chronic stress can cause mental and physical health issues over time. Throughout April, the NIH and other organizations provide stress-management tips to help people manage stress in their lives to avoid negative health consequences.
Other campaigns related to mental health, anxiety, and depression
Other notable days and weeks for mental health awareness include:
- World Mental Health Day, which is observed on October 10 and recognized by the World Health Organization.
- Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, which spotlights a specific mental illness each year.
- OCD Awareness Week, which takes place during the second week of October each year, is intended to raise awareness about obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- National Counseling Awareness Month, which is observed every April to celebrate the mental health professionals who do the important work of supporting people with clinical conditions like anxiety and others.
How to raise awareness for anxiety during Mental Health Awareness Month
Regardless of your location in the world or which month of the year it is, there are plenty of ways you can contribute to raising awareness about anxiety and related conditions. If you’re looking for ideas, you might consider those listed below.
Sign up for a walk for mental health
Several US-based and national organizations organize walks or runs to raise funds for mental health resources. For example, the National Alliance on Mental Health organizes a series of walks throughout the US in the spring and the fall, all unified by the theme #Together4MH. These events offer a sense of solidarity with other walkers, as well as a chance to donate to and/or help raise money for mental health organizations.
Learn more about anxiety disorders
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or are supporting a loved one with anxiety, simply learning more about this class of disorders can be a powerful way to cultivate anxiety awareness in your own life. You can read more about anxiety disorders online, watch videos, listen to podcasts, and check out peer-reviewed studies on the latest scientific findings. Focusing on the facts and lived experiences of those with anxiety disorders can be one great way to work toward ending the stigma around these mental health conditions.
Donate to or volunteer with a mental health organization
Giving your resources or time can be another positive way to support anxiety research and awareness. There are many national and local organizations related to mental health care that you might choose to support. You could make a recurring donation to one that provides resources to those who need mental health assistance. You might also sign up to volunteer for an organization that’s arranging a fundraiser or provides services for those in need. Plus, as a bonus, research suggests that engaging in acts of generosity like volunteering may be linked to benefits for the giver, too, such as lower blood pressure and increased happiness and well-being.
Care for your own mental health and track your progress
Another way to honor Anxiety Awareness Month is to take actionable steps to care for your own mental health. Engaging in healthy habits can help you safeguard your own mental health and manage anxiety and depression, which is another way to support mental health and anxiety awareness. Research suggests that engaging in frequent physical activity, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and socializing regularly may all be linked to more positive mental health outcomes. Also, it may help to create a calm routine that includes practices like mindfulness meditation, which may help reduce stress and decrease your risk of anxiety.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, Mental Health Month can serve as a time to seek professional support. Treatment for a mental health condition, whether it’s depression, bipolar disorder, or just daily stress, can improve your quality of life. Not only can you get the care you deserve, but you can also contribute to ending the stigma around mental health care for those in your community.
Track your progress and effects over the month
As you implement strategies throughout the month, you might consider ways to track your progress. For example, if you decide to implement a mindfulness practice or a journaling routine, you might track your days on a calendar or in a mobile app with a schedule so that you can celebrate the effects of your efforts and make adjustments where necessary.
Supporting someone experiencing anxiety
Most people experience various forms of stress, but some people may be living with anxiety without knowing it. It can be helpful to learn about the signs of anxiety in order to encourage a loved one to seek support. The following are some possible signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fear
- Uneasiness
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
The symptoms of anxiety can vary. If you know someone who is experiencing any symptoms that affect their daily life, you might consider seeking support from a licensed counselor.
How to connect with a therapist for anxiety disorders
If you suspect you may be experiencing anxiety or another mental health condition, you might consider meeting with a therapist. Most anxiety disorders are treatable, and a trained therapist can offer you the support and tools you may need to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’d prefer to meet with someone in person, you can search for a provider in your local area. If you’d feel more comfortable meeting with someone from the comfort of your home, you might consider virtual therapy. With the technology of an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist and have appointments via:
- Phone,
- Video call
- Online chat
Research suggests that online and in-person therapy can offer similar benefits in many cases, so the format you choose is typically up to you. Proceeding with one format or another may lead to significant benefits for your mental health and overall well-being.
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Takeaway
What month is Anxiety Awareness Month?
According to the American Hospital Association, May is National Mental Health Month (which can serve to raise awareness about anxiety, for which there is no official month). This month's goal is to spread information and help battle the stigma that still surrounds various mental health challenges.
National Mental Health Month encompasses many mental health disorders: anxiety and depression, social anxiety disorders, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, and more. The first week of May is considered Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. It explicitly highlights anxiety disorders, raising awareness about their impact and promoting ways to seek help and support.
The activities and efforts throughout Mental Health Month may include specific awareness days, career development advice, overdose awareness, etc. They all aim to inform and support.
Why is Anxiety Awareness Month important?
Anxiety Awareness Month is important because it serves as a time to fight stigma and advocate for people who live with anxiety and other mental disorders.
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Yes, anxiety is a type of mental illness. The difference between expected anxiety (getting stressed about a big performance, for example) and an anxiety disorder can be stark; anxiety disorders can cause chronic, hard-to-control periods of intense pressure and sometimes even panic attacks.
What are three signs of anxiety?
There can be numerous warning signs of anxiety, but three common signs tend to be restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
How can you raise awareness of anxiety?
You can raise awareness about anxiety by encouraging open conversations and sharing personal experiences to break down the stigma around seeking help. You can also participate in advocacy efforts. Using inclusive language can also be helpful. Try to use person-first language like “a person with anxiety” instead of “an anxious person.” Educating yourself and others about the various types of anxiety disorders can also be a good way to raise awareness.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?
The 3-3-3 rule for anxiety typically involves naming three things you can see, three things you can touch, and three things you can hear.
What is the root cause of anxiety?
The causes of anxiety can include chemical imbalances, genetics, brain changes, and environmental factors, such as traumatic events.
What happens in your brain when you have anxiety?
Researchers believe that people living with anxiety may have increased activity in the brain’s limbic system, which may affect emotional processing.
Is anxiety a disability?
Anxiety in and of itself is not considered a disability but a disorder. However, in some cases, individuals living with anxiety may qualify for certain disability benefits.
What is the best therapy for anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective forms of therapy for anxiety. CBT often helps people assess how their thoughts and emotions have affected their behaviors, which can lead to meaningful change. Exposure therapy may also be effective for patients with certain types of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder. A therapist can provide guidance on the best type of therapy for those experiencing anxiety.
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