April is National Stress Awareness Month
Stress can be sneaky. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re in a battle with physical, mental and/or emotional strain. This month’s health observance encourages everyone to heighten their awareness of stress, particularly when it’s long-lasting. Here are some ideas:
- Take action. Use stress management techniques that have worked for you previously, and seek out new practices if you’re still struggling.
- Revel in nature. Studies show that experiencing nature reduces anger, fear and stress, while increasing pleasant feelings.
- Exercise regularly. Whether you bike, lift weights or take walks, exercising will keep you strong and resilient, increasing your ability to fight stress.
- Try some aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils to medicinally soothe the body and mind; it can decrease anxiety and improve sleep.
- Have a hearty laugh. Laughter defuses distressing emotions and helps you shift perspective, allowing you to see situations in a less threatening light.
Throughout the entire month of April, there are a number of nationally recognized themes that you can help promote, including:
- Alcohol Awareness Month
- Stress Awareness Month
- National Autism Awareness Month
- National Counseling Awareness Month
- National Minority Health Month
- World Autism Awareness Day (Apr. 2)
- World Health Day (Apr. 7)
- National Alcohol Screening Day (Apr. 6)
- Day of Silence (Apr. 14)
Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States: 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder.
This number includes 9.0 million men and 5.5 million women. It’s our job to help end the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorders and mental health by sharing resources and starting conversations. Throughout the month of April, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about alcohol use disorder. Here are some important facts you should know:
- An estimated 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
- Long-term health risks of alcohol use include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
- Approximately 14.5 million people aged 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder.
- In 2019, 25.8% of people ages 18 or older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month.
Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.