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Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma

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    May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those experiencing them. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. 

    According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health disorder each year. Despite the prevalence of illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment and support. The fear of judgment and discrimination often prevents individuals from seeking help.

    NAMI reports that nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year.

    It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Here are some tips for reducing the stigma associated with mental health:

    • Educate yourself and others. Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatments.
    • Talk openly. Break the silence surrounding mental health by initiating open and honest conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. By sharing personal experiences or listening without judgment, you can create a safe space for others.
    • Choose your words carefully. Avoid stigmatizing words and use person-first language emphasizing the individual, not their condition.
    • Encourage equality between physical and mental health conditions. Mental illness is a medical condition, so it should be treated just like a physical ailment.
    • Speak up. If you suspect someone is struggling with their mental health, send them messages of support or help them get on the path to treatment.

    By taking proactive steps to reduce mental health stigma, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. Together, we can break down the barriers that stand in the way of healing and acceptance.

    Uypes of Active Recovery

    • Yoga or stretching
    • Light resistance training
    • Self-myofascial release
    • Walking or hiking
    • Cycling

    Seasonal Eating Health Benefits

    It’s normal to see the same produce available year-round in today’s market. However, that doesn’t mean the quality is the same throughout the seasons. Eating seasonally helps you take advantage of the harvest schedule. Fortunately, May is peak spring mode and offers a variety of produce. Spring vegetables include asparagus, artichokes, radishes, rhubarb, and peas, as well as fruit like strawberries.

    Not only is spring produce vibrant and fresh tasting, but it also offers health benefits. Picked at the peak of their freshness and nutritional value, spring produce is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a natural boost to your immune system and overall well-being. Eating seasonally also means you’re adding variety to your diet, along with diverse vitamins and minerals. Seasonality depends on where you live, so let nature be your guide at your local farmer's market or grocery store.

    Spring Vegetable Sauté

    Makes: 4 servings
    Ingredients
    • 1 tsp. olive oil
    • ½ cup sweet onion (sliced)
    • 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
    • 3 tiny new potatoes (quartered)
    • ¾ cup carrot (sliced)
    • ¾ cup asparagus pieces
    • ¾ cup sugar snap peas or green beans
    • ½ cup radishes (quartered)
    • ¼ tsp. salt
    • ¼ tsp. black pepper
    • ½ tsp. dried dill
    Preparations
    1. Heat the oil in a skillet. Cook the onion for two minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
    2. Stir in the potatoes and carrots. Cover, turn the heat to low, and cook until almost tender, about four minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the vegetables start to brown.
    3. Add the asparagus, peas, radishes, salt, black pepper and dill. Cook, stirring often, until just tender, about four minutes more.
    Nutritional Information (per serving)

    Total calories: 138
    Total fat: 1 g
    Protein: 4 g
    Sodium: 177 mg
    Carbohydrate: 29 g
    Dietary fiber: 5 g
    Saturated fat: 0 g
    Total sugars: 4 g

    Source: MyPlate

    UPCOMING WEBINAR

    The Future of Human Resources:
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    Today, May 1st | 1:00pm CST

    In a world where innovation is the most valuable currency and engagement is fundamental to future success, it is time for ‘people practices’ to become more consistent with what we know about why people make commitments— and why they don’t make commitments. In this session, Gary Heil, founder, of The Center for Innovative Leadership, author, and internationally recognized expert on service and leadership, will discuss:

    • How HR professionals can more effectively measure and manage culture.
    • How to develop Performance Management Processes that are more effective and more equitable.
    • And more.

    Pre-Approved for 1 SHRM Credit Hour

    Presented by

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    Cafeteria Plan, Open Enrollment, & Election Change Best Practices

    Tuesday, May 7th | 10:00am CST

    In this month’s TRUE Network Advisors webinar, the benefits attorneys of Maynard Nexsen will discuss best practices for cafeteria plan administration and considerations for handling employees’ mid-year election changes.

    Presented by

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