Operation Flourish: Where Mental Health Meets Joyful Living
- Kayla Myers
- May 3
- 2 min read
Hey Operation Flourish Fam!
Welcome to the first post in our Mental Health Awareness Month series! This May, I'm dedicating my blog to exploring the vital aspects of mental well-being, aligning with my mission to empower individuals through the 5 pillars of #ChooseHealth: joyful movement, balanced nutrition, restorative sleep, mindful mental health, and avoiding risk behaviors.
🌿 What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed every May in the United States since 1949. It was established by Mental Health America (then known as the National Association for Mental Health) to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.
Each year, organizations across the country participate by hosting events, sharing resources, and promoting mental health education. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a toolkit to guide outreach activities during the month.
💡 Why It Matters
Mental Health Awareness Month serves multiple critical purposes:
Education: It helps educate the public about mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, and the realities of living with these conditions.
Stigma Reduction: By promoting open conversations, it aims to reduce the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surrounds mental illnesses, encouraging individuals to seek help.
Resource Promotion: The month provides an opportunity to highlight available services and support systems for those in need.
Celebration of Recovery: It also celebrates recovery from mental illness, emphasizing that individuals can lead fulfilling lives.
These objectives align with my #ChooseHealth pillars, recognizing that mental health is integral to overall well-being.
🧭 Looking Ahead
Throughout this month, I'll delve into various topics, including managing anxiety, the importance of sleep, and building supportive relationships. Each post will provide practical tips and resources to help you flourish mentally and emotionally.
Cheerfully yours,
Kayla Myers
P.S. What does mental health mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's start the conversation.
We need to highlight mental health every day of the year and I appreciate the work you put into educating people and providing tools to help everyone flourish.
This is a fantastic start to Mental Health Awareness Month, Kayla! I appreciate how you've laid out the history and importance of this month. Connecting it to your five pillars of #ChooseHealth makes perfect sense, highlighting that mental well-being isn't separate from our overall health – it's a vital part of it. I'm looking forward to learning more throughout May and incorporating these insights into my own journey towards flourishing. Thanks for creating this space for open conversation!