Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s talk about the fact that every May is national mental health month in the United States.

Also known as mental health month, this is not a new observance. Some organizations say that it is the seventieth year they have celebrated the month. In May 2019 the theme for the month addressed the connection between the mind and the body.

Although the name of 2019’s theme was new, the sentiment behind it was not. Our minds and bodies are intricately connected.

If we’re experiencing problems with our mental health, it may also affect us physically. For example, if we have depression, we may be tired, struggle with pain and insomnia, and experience other physical symptoms.

The reverse is also true. Illnesses such as cancer can contribute to depression and other mental health conditions. And some conditions, such as drug addiction or alcohol abuse, are a complex combination of physical and mental factors.

Clearly, physical health can impact our mental health and vice versa. To improve both kinds of health, there are tools that we can also use to become healthy and stay that way. To do this, we may want to consider various forms of social media to improve our mental health. Such tools may include:

  • Inspirational quotations. Sometimes, a few well-timed words when we’re feeling down can help motivate us or let us know that we’re not alone.
  • Photos. A picture truly is worth a thousand words when it comes to depicting positive mental health practices.
  • Videos. Videos can help us see and understand things in greater detail. They can show us how things work instead of just telling us.
  • Informative articles. Knowledge is power. Knowing about mental health can help us recognize symptoms and address them.

Finding such tools is quick and easy. Type words such as anxiety or PTSD into Google or another search engine, and you’ll see all sorts of content. You may want to add terms such as .edu or .gov to your search to find information from government agencies and universities, especially if you want to find information about recent research and treatments.

There are many benefits to online sites. Social media posts are available to everyone. People have contributed by sharing existing posts and creating new ones.

Social media sites are like ongoing conversations about mental health. While lectures may be useful and have their uses, sometimes they’re not the most inclusive way of offering information and support. Social media platforms let more people speak up and contribute to the conversations.

And they really are conversations. Campaigns such as national mental health month reinforce the notion that it’s okay to talk about mental health. Having mental health conditions and talking about them doesn’t mean that a person is crazy or a threat to society.

It means that mental health is an important issue, one that admittedly can cause problems, but the problems have solutions. If we can talk openly about such problems, we’re one step closer to solving them.