2023 Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health May

ACC commemorates Mental Health Awareness Month!

Every May, organizations (such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America) unite to challenge stigma, educate the public, provide support, promote honest conversations, and advocate for every individual experiencing the effects of mental illness.

We encourage you to reflect on your own mental health by browsing ACC's collection of eBooks and streaming videos or review some accessible resources and tips.

Practice grounding exercises and guided meditation to focus your attention on the present, prevent or ease a panic or anxiety attack, dispel compulsory thoughts and bad memories, or simply relax.

A photograph of a woman, sitting in lotus position, meditating on a cliffside.

5-minute Mindfulness Meditation

An illustration of an eye, hand, ear, nose, and heart.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Method: A Grounding Exercise to Manage Anxiety

“Box breathing has physiological and psychological benefits.”

Box Breathing Relaxation Technique

An illustration of a featureless figure meditating within an orb.

Mental Reset in 5 Minutes

Are you in need of some immediate relief? Take a moment for yourself and try one or more of the following suggestions.

A man wearing an apron and a headband sings into a broom handle.

SINGING

Don't hesitate to sing your feelings! Singing releases endorphins, the "pain reliever hormone," and lowers cortisol, the "stress hormone." Click here to learn about the psychological and physiological benefits of singing.

A man and woman laugh uproariously on a couch.

LAUGHING

Can you think of a YouTube video or comedy that makes you literally laugh out loud? Watch it again! Laughing releases feel-good hormones, relaxes muscles, and diffuses anger. One source clarifies that "a humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed."

CRYING

Crying isn't giving up on feeling better - far from it! Crying detoxifies the body, releases endorphins, restores your emotional equilibrium, and activates your parasympathetic nervous system to help you relax. Click here to learn more.

HUGGING

Hugging releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," and sends a signal of safety to the automatic nervous system, which will moderate your flight-or-fight response. Click here for more reasons to hug it out.

A pink notebook titled "Things I Can't Say Out Loud."

JOURNALING

"Voicing" your frustrations and fears in a safe place is an excellent way to reduce stress and boost your well-being. For tips on best journaling practices, click here.

A man rests in a hammock, beneath a tree, with his hands crossed behind his head.

NAPPING

Allow yourself to recharge! Try a 20-30 minute nap to relieve stress, lift your mood, and improve your problem-solving abilities. For further information, click here.

A woman, sitting in shoelace pose, meditates in a yoga studio.

MEDITATING

Repeated studies show that mindful meditation lowers cortisol levels, calms the nervous system, regulates emotions, and increases impulse control. Click here to learn about even more benefits.

A hand holds a piece of paper that reads "phone a friend."

CALLING A FRIEND

Give the 8 minute phone call challenge a chance. According to Dr. Glaser-Mussen, the voice of a loved one is emotionally regulating and sparks our feel-good, bonding hormones.

A woman lies on the ground, next to the waterfront, with her feet propped up against a tree; one hand is on her chest and the other is on her ribcage.

GETTING OUTSIDE

If you can, just spending 20 minutes outdoors, especially in a park or greenspace, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve your mood. While always recommended, exercise isn't even necessary!

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” -Glenn Close

"Your mental health is everything - prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does." -Mel Robbins

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