In 1990, Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, each year advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.
Mental health is serious business, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun while raising awareness about it. In fact, having fun is one of the best ways to improve our mental health!
Here are some fun ideas for celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week:
Have a dance party. Dancing is a great way to release stress and boost your mood. Put on some of your favorite music and dance until you drop!
Play games. Playing games is a fun and social way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Board games, card games, and video games are all great options.
Spend time in nature. Being in nature has been shown to have a number of mental health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing creativity. Go for a walk in the park, hike in the woods, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Do something creative. Creative activities can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. Try painting, drawing, writing, or playing music.
Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is important for good mental health. Make time for the people you care about, whether it's going out to dinner, watching a movie together, or just talking on the phone.
In addition to these fun activities, there are also a number of educational and supportive events that take place during Mental Health Awareness Week. Check with your local mental health organizations to see what events are happening in your area.
Here are some additional tips for having fun while raising awareness about mental health:
Wear green. Green is the color of Mental Health Awareness Week. Wearing green is a great way to show your support for mental health awareness and to start conversations with others about mental health.
Share your story. If you have experience with mental illness, sharing your story can help to reduce the stigma associated with it and to show others that they are not alone.
Donate to mental health organizations. There are many organizations that are working to improve the lives of people with mental illness. You can donate to these organizations to help support their important work.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to celebrate the importance of mental health and to have some fun at the same time. By taking part in fun and educational activities, we can help to raise awareness about mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with it.