1. Dispel Myths
“I challenge us to end the fear, shame, prejudice and discrimination that people face every day," says Glenn Close, cofounder of Bring Change to Mind. "We’re all in this together. Let’s walk in each other’s shoes, look into each other’s faces, listen to each other’s voices. But, most of all, let’s start by talking about it.” Close's nonprofit, Bring Change to Mind, works to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness, and it all starts with first educating one's self on common misunderstandings. Here are some helpful tips from Bring Change to Mind to challenge and demystify the way we think about mental health.
FICTION: Children aren’t diagnosed with mental illness.
FACT: Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. As a matter of fact, 1 in 5 children lives with a diagnosable mental illness. Getting treatment is essential.
FICTION: People with mental illness will never get better.
FACT: For some people, a mental illness may be a lifelong condition, but like many other health conditions, proper treatment enables many people with mental illnesses to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
FICTION: Mental illness won’t affect me.
FACT: Mental illness can affect anyone. While some illnesses have a genetic risk, mental illness can affect people of all ages, races and income levels, regardless of family history.
2. Build a Positive Mindset
Dedicated to equipping America's teens and young adults with the skills and support they need to grow into thriving adults, The Jed Foundation informs us that "challenging negative thoughts is a great way to promote your mental health each day." There’s something to be said about the power of changing your narrative and viewing the glass half full. Not only can it boost your mood and diminish stress, but it also fosters beneficial relationships and experiences. To build a more positive mindset, think through these tips from the Jed Foundation.
Keep a mental list of everything you're grateful for—things that are going well or bring you joy.
Surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best in you.
Be kind to others. Volunteering and getting involved in someone else’s life can be the most powerful feel-good action.
Keep a mental list of everything you're grateful for—things that are going well or bring you joy.
Surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best in you.
Be kind to others. Volunteering and getting involved in someone else’s life can be the most powerful feel-good action.
3. Connect With Yourself & Others
We turned to Girls Inc., a nonprofit inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold through direct service and advocacy, and the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry for advice on how you can help yourself feel better, confident and supported.
Celebrate your self-image.
Real confidence isn’t just being the best at what you do, but being true to yourself and recognizing your strengths. Know that no one’s perfect and that’s okay. Give yourself space for those moments and remember you’re a unique, multidimensional person. "Self-image affects every aspect of well-being," says Stephanie Hull, Ph.D., president and CEO of Girls Inc. "When you have a positive sense of self, you’re more likely to make decisions that support your goals. You’re ready to embrace challenges, and you can persist when things get difficult."
Sustain caring relationships.
Humans are social creatures, and having meaningful relationships is crucial to a positive outlook. Be intentional about regularly FaceTiming or Zooming with your close friends and family. You don’t even need to talk explicitly about personal problems. You can connect deeply on anything—from your week at work to a trip you’re planning. "We can quiet our stress by turning to the people in our lives for support and connection. The not-so-secret path to a long and healthy life is through human attachments," says Lloyd I. Sederer, M.D. and adjunct professor, Columbia University School of Public Health and director of Columbia Psychiatry Media.
Celebrate your self-image.
Real confidence isn’t just being the best at what you do, but being true to yourself and recognizing your strengths. Know that no one’s perfect and that’s okay. Give yourself space for those moments and remember you’re a unique, multidimensional person. "Self-image affects every aspect of well-being," says Stephanie Hull, Ph.D., president and CEO of Girls Inc. "When you have a positive sense of self, you’re more likely to make decisions that support your goals. You’re ready to embrace challenges, and you can persist when things get difficult."
Sustain caring relationships.
Humans are social creatures, and having meaningful relationships is crucial to a positive outlook. Be intentional about regularly FaceTiming or Zooming with your close friends and family. You don’t even need to talk explicitly about personal problems. You can connect deeply on anything—from your week at work to a trip you’re planning. "We can quiet our stress by turning to the people in our lives for support and connection. The not-so-secret path to a long and healthy life is through human attachments," says Lloyd I. Sederer, M.D. and adjunct professor, Columbia University School of Public Health and director of Columbia Psychiatry Media.
4. Practice Self-Care
Committed to suicide and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project provides resources devoted to mental health. Dealing with the pandemic and the impact it's had on our daily lives is a huge focus for the organization. "Remember, there is no correct way to process or respond to what is going on in the world right now," says Chief Clinical Operations Officer Tia Dole, Ph.D. "It’s key to find what works best for you." Here are just a few ways to reset.
Get outside.
Fresh air does the body good. Make it a daily habit to go for a walk or take in nature at your nearest park.
Incorporate stress-free activities.
According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, practicing relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi can serve as powerful tools to diminish stress and lower your heart rate.
Decrease screen time.
Unplug from work, social media and anything that may be distracting you from being centered—bonus points for turning off your phone completely in the evening.
Get outside.
Fresh air does the body good. Make it a daily habit to go for a walk or take in nature at your nearest park.
Incorporate stress-free activities.
According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, practicing relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi can serve as powerful tools to diminish stress and lower your heart rate.
Decrease screen time.
Unplug from work, social media and anything that may be distracting you from being centered—bonus points for turning off your phone completely in the evening.
5. Get Involved
Join us at the Saks NYC Flagship at our Intention Garden, now through Tuesday, May 11, where you can plant your own mental health intention and send a postcard to someone who has supported you this past year. And if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or mental health care professional for support. For more mental health resources, ways to get involved and to make a donation toward mental health advocacy, support and awareness, visit the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation.
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