May is Mental Health Awareness Month

green-ribbonFor Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around them effects their mental health.

drawing of people of all ages enjoying themselves in a park

Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition.

What Can I Do to Connect?

Plant Something
Gardening is a great mindfulness activity. Getting your hands in the dirt can help you feel more grounded, and helping a plant grow can even boost your self-esteem.

Enjoy the Sunshine
Just 10-15 minutes of sun on your arms and legs a few times a week has the potential to generate all the vitamin D you need; however, this depends on factors like the season, time of day, pollution, skin tone, and more.

Bring the Outdoors In
Adding greenery to your space can have a similar effect to seeing plants outdoors – and some, like snake plants and bamboo palms, can purify your air.

Practice Gratitude
Nature is everywhere – even in cities, you can find places like community gardens, little courtyards, or trees full of birds and squirrels. One of the greatest benefits you get from nature is connection, which is linked to a better connection to self, community, and purpose.

This Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

Free Fact Sheets

drawing of a man in his home office with his dog, his computer, and a cup of coffeeWEEK 1: Safe and Stable Housing

If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition. Take a free, private screening at mhascreening.org to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps. 


drawing of a child adding a book to a stack on the lap of a woman in a wheelchairWEEK 2: Healthy Home Environments

If you constantly feel worried or sad about where you live, one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening at mhascreening.org.


drawing of a family and their dog walking on a sidewalkWEEK 3: Neighborhoods & Towns

If you the area where you live is worrying you or constantly on your mind, take a free, private screening at mhascreening.org to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps. 


drawing of a tree and flowers outdoorsWEEK 4: The Outdoors & Nature

If you’re taking steps to incorporate nature into your surroundings but still feel like you’re struggling with your mental health, you may be showing the early signs of a mental health condition. Take a free, private screening at mhascreening.org to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps.