It’s good timing that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
May affords us a moment to recalibrate and refresh—to pay attention to our mental health, especially now as we navigate “what’s next” in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with competing messages through traditional and social media channels. It’s hard to know what is real, what is not and how to make sense of everything.
I’ve been a longtime vocal advocate for mental health, including 10-years ago when I was part of the local Broadlawns Advocate Circle where we raised money for the “Mental Health Starts with Me” campaign, in an effort to raise both awareness and money for the current mental health care shortage in the central Iowa area.
More recently, my pastor at Lutheran Church of Hope, Mike Householder, shared statistics around how everyone, but especially our youth, is struggling more and more with mental health, in part due to the advent of the ‘smart phone’ and 24-hour access to social media. As I’ve said before, mental health doesn’t play around.
If you ignore it and think the issues will go away, your mental health will come in like a storm and remind you it’s not going anywhere. Our biological fight-or-flight response is too strong. And from what recent stats tell us, the flight response is indeed real, with nonprofits experiencing an all-time high of 19% turnover in 2022.
If you’re struggling, overwhelmed or anxious, we have four tips to help. But if there are only a few things you take away from reading this blog, I hope it’s these two points:
Stop being so hard on yourself. You’re worth more. When my inner critic gets too tough—and it does, just like everyone else’s—I leave the scene for a bit. I’ve found that changing my environment can help disrupt the thoughts when things get hectic. Going to the coffee shop, working outside or even conducting a walking one-on-one meeting with a colleague have been great tools for me.
Adam Whybrew, Director of Research at GoodWork.ai, offers another perspective on dealing with mental health challenges in the workplace. Watch his compelling video (12 min).
“I can’t tell you how comforting it is … to know that I can fail at something, even something quite important, life will go on and I’ll be fine.
— Andrew Whybrew, Director of Research, GoodWork.ai
Don’t think you have to go through this all alone. Shame and embarrassment about a mental health struggle will tell you lies, like everyone else is “normal,” better, smarter or more talented. That’s absolutely not true. Everyone has a story of struggles, even some of the world’s greatest leaders, like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr.
4 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health When Things Are Uncertain
1. Acknowledge Your Worry
Uncertainty, unfortunately, is a part of life. Unexpected changes happen to everyone, and eventually, it will be OK again. “This too shall pass”, “It is what it is” and “Everything happens for a reason” are a few of the phrases that center my mind when worry and anxiety rear their ugly head.
2. Accept the Discomfort of Not Knowing
It’s normal to feel stressed or uncomfortable when faced with unfamiliar situations. (We’d be worried if you didn’t.) Control the worry when dealing with the unknown by:
- Remembering that the uneasiness is temporary (see above phrases for inspiration)
- Focusing on the information you have and making decisions based on that, remember ‘facts, not feelings’
Read more from MasterClass: How to Make Informed Decisions: 7 Step Decision-Making Process.
3. Protect Your Peace
When a child gets tired, we have them take a nap. When they’re too close to dangerous waters, we pull them away. Think of your “adult” self as looking out for you by setting boundaries and controlling negative influences.
Set boundaries by:
- Learning that you don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every task or commitment you’re asked to do, especially if it will drain your energy
Control negative influences by:
- Reminding yourself that it’s not about you. Negative people are negative; if they’re critical or harsh, they’re likely like that with everyone. Don’t make it personal.
4. Take Care of You
Research has discovered a strong link between mental health and physical health. Good physical health will help you get through and counterbalance mental health struggles.
Here’s what to do:
- Get enough rest. Aim for about eight hours a night, but if you require more, by all means take it. Sleep is crucial for mental health, as it allows the brain to process information, consolidate memories and regulate emotions.
- Try to do something you enjoy every day. That might mean being with friends, watching a favorite TV show, exercise, painting or reading.
- Eat foods that boost good mental health. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Here’s what you should eat to feel your best.
Thank you for all you do for your nonprofit and its mission. Your work is important. Your voice matters. So does your mental health. This month (and always), I hope you take steps to care for yourself and the well-being of those around you.
Really appreciated this—especially the simple tips like stepping away from heavy thoughts, setting boundaries, and remembering that uncertainty doesn’t last forever. A gentle, wise reminder to cut yourself some slack and prioritize what matters most.
An encouraging reminder to pause and practise self-care, especially during uncertain times. Even small acts can help maintain mental balance.