Prioritizing Mental Well-Being during Mental Health Awareness Month

May 3, 2023 | By Elaina Hampson

Prioritizing Mental Well-Being during Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the importance of mental well-being and encouraging open conversations around mental health. This month serves as a reminder to acknowledge, support, and prioritize our mental health, as well as the mental health of our friends, family, colleagues, and the communities we serve. Let’s chat through the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss how we can promote healthy headspaces, both individually and collectively.

The Importance of Mental Health: Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, affecting every aspect of our lives. It influences how we think, feel, and act, and plays a crucial role in our ability to cope with stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve our goals. Acknowledging the significance of mental health is the first step towards fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, and support.

As an employer, Avanti Residential is invested in providing mental health offerings to our Avantians, ensuring that they live our core value of #LaBellaVita.

Recently, Avanti rolled out a new PTO program, allowing for greater flexibility in which Avanti team members can allocate and use accrued time off. Avanti encourages and celebrates utilizing PTO to unwind, adventure—whatever fills our Avantians’ cups.

Working with our medical and insurance providers, Avanti is able to offer comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, which include offerings such as:

• Access to a national network of clinicians—from counselors to psychologists.
• Virtual counselling sessions and online therapy with licensed therapists.
• Support groups for autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more.
• Access to mental health resources for dependents aged 26 and under.
• Unlimited telephone support and access to work-life resources.

Breaking the Stigma: Despite the growing awareness surrounding mental health, there is still a prevalent stigma that surrounds it. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help or opening up about their struggles. It is crucial to challenge these misconceptions and foster an environment where people feel safe and comfortable discussing their mental health. By sharing our own experiences, supporting one another, and spreading awareness, we can create more inclusive and compassionate spaces for everyone.

Self-Care All Year: Taking care of our mental health should be a priority not only during Mental Health Awareness Month, but throughout the year. Engaging in self-care practices is essential; this may involve incorporating activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is a vital aspect of maintaining mental health.

When you live in an Avanti Residential community, a variety of amenities that contribute to positive mental health are at your fingertips! Depending on your community, you could enjoy the following mental health boosting activities:

• Go for a refreshing morning swim or work out in our fitness centers.
• Grab a book and nestle in cozy lounge spaces.
• Catch up with a friend beside the fire.
• Soak up the sun with a picturesque backdrop.
• Enjoy some outdoor fun with your pets.
• Get creative – knit, draw, paint, etc.

Reach Out for Help: Self-care alone may not always be sufficient to address mental health challenges. It is crucial to reach out for support when needed—whether it's confiding in a trusted friend, seeking therapy, or counseling, or connecting with support groups. Understanding that we are not alone, and that help is available is a significant step towards healing and resilience.

Spreading Awareness and Advocacy: Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to spark conversations, challenge stigmas, and advocate for change. By participating in community events, sharing resources, and educating others, we can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive society.

Looking for organizations to donate to this month? Check out a just a few options below:

• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a leading organization focused on providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, from a 24/7 toll-free helpline to chat and text-based counseling services. Donate here.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness, with programs and initiatives that include helplines, educational workshops, and attention to public policy. Donate here.
• Mental Health America: With a history dating back to 1909, MHA has been at the forefront of the mental health movement, advocating for policy changes, providing support, and raising awareness about mental health issues. Donate here.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: AFSP is a voluntary health organization “dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss” through research, education, and advocacy. Donate here.
• The Jed Foundation: The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit focusing on teens and young adults. They work to protect “emotional health and [prevent] suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.” Donate here.

This month let’s embrace Mental Health Awareness as an opportunity to educate ourselves, uplift those who may be struggling, and work towards building a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.

Looking for a company that promotes work-life balance and champions both personal and professional growth? Check out our current open positions and apply to become an Avantian today!