May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About It

As the flowers bloom and we welcome the warmth of May, it’s also the perfect time to focus inward and prioritize something just as essential as physical health — our mental well-being.

Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like we care for our bodies, tending to our mental health is key to living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Signs You Might Need a Mental Health Check-In

Everyone has ups and downs, but persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress might be signs it's time to check in with yourself or reach out for help. Here are a few indicators:

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly fatigued

• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Isolating yourself from friends and family

• Experiencing mood swings or irritability

  
  

You Are Not Alone

One of the most powerful things to remember is that you're not alone. Millions of people experience mental health challenges every year—and there is help and hope. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can make all the difference. The Reed Family Companies includes a monthly Toolbox Talk that is available to all employees. May's topic is Mental Health Awareness.

Ways to Support Your Mental Health

• Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and be present.

• Stay active: Even a short walk can help improve your mood and energy levels.

• Connect with others: Social support is a key pillar of mental health.

• Get enough sleep: Rest is essential for emotional regulation.

• Reach out for help: Therapy, support groups, and hotlines are here for you.

  
  

Let’s Break the Stigma

This May, let’s take the opportunity to start conversations, check in with ourselves and those around us, and advocate for a world where mental health is treated with the same care and compassion as physical health. Awareness is the first step toward change.

💚 Take care of your mind — it’s the only one you’ve got.