Prioritizing Your Well-Being During Mental Health Awareness Month

Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to pause and check in with ourselves. While many people prioritize annual physicals, blood pressure checks or managing chronic conditions, emotional wellness is just as important to overall health.

Stress, anxiety and depression can affect anyone. The signs are easy to overlook until they begin impacting daily life. The good news is that support is available, and for many people, a primary care clinician can be the first step toward feeling better.

According to Kristy Huynh, DNP, APRN-CNP, Mental Health Awareness Month is about normalizing conversations around emotional wellness. Huynh offers primary care and weight loss services at Norman Regional Moore, Suite 400. She is board certified in Family Practice and cares for patients across their lives, providing comprehensive, compassionate and evidence-based care. 

“This Mental Health Awareness Month really allows us to pause, reflect and check in with ourselves to see how we’re doing — just like you would with your blood pressure or cholesterol,” Huynh said.

Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

Mental health conditions are more common than many people realize. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness each year.

Even with how common these conditions are, many people hesitate to seek help because of stigma or because they assume their symptoms are “not serious enough.” But emotional health challenges do not always look like a crisis. Sometimes they appear gradually through increased stress, exhaustion or losing interest in things you once enjoyed.

“Patients will prioritize their physical health and overlook their stress, anxiety or low mood symptoms before they get severe,” Huynh said.

Mental Health Awareness Month helps encourage people to recognize that mental health is a part of overall health, and it deserves attention and care.

Common Signs Someone May Be Struggling

Mental health symptoms can sometimes be subtle. Many people dismiss them as stress, burnout or simply having a difficult season of life.

Huynh says common warning signs include:

• Persistent sadness 
• Increased irritability 
• Fatigue or low energy 
• Changes in appetite or sleep 
• Low motivation 
• Withdrawing from friends and family 
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities you normally enjoy 

These symptoms can happen to anyone, including adolescents, parents, caregivers and older adults.

“If you see anybody experiencing any of these symptoms, try to talk to them, check in with them and see how they’re doing,” Huynh said.

How Norman Regional Primary Care Can Help

Many people are surprised to learn that primary care clinics regularly help patients manage mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

“Primary care is typically your first point of contact,” Huynh said. “We are great with screening to see if you have any mental health issues. We can provide guidance and counseling, start treatment if appropriate and coordinate referrals to therapy or psychiatry if needed.”

At routine visits, your primary care practitioner may use screening tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire to better understand symptoms and determine whether additional support may help. The PHQ-9 is a widely used depression screening tool recommended by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Psychological Association.

Primary care physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses can also help patients monitor mental health progress over time. If treatment begins, follow-up appointments allow them to adjust medications, discuss symptoms and create a plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

Huynh said that these conversations are judgment-free.

“As your primary care provider, we’re here for you,” said Huynh. “There’s no judgment. It’s a safe place to talk about your stressors, anxiety or anything causing you to feel different than your normal self.”

Daily Habits That Support Mental Wellness

While professional support is important, small daily habits can also make a meaningful difference in mental wellness.

Huynh recommends:

• Going for a walk or staying physically active 
• Spending time outdoors 
• Maintaining healthy sleep habits 
• Journaling or mindful reading 
• Staying connected with friends and family 
• Making time for hobbies and activities you enjoy 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness also notes that regular movement, sleep and social connection can positively impact mood and stress management.

“These habits don’t have to be complicated,” Huynh said. “Really just finding activities you enjoy and prioritizing time for yourself can help.”

What If You’re Unsure Whether You Need Help?

One of the biggest barriers to seeking care is uncertainty. Many people wonder whether what they’re feeling is “serious enough” to bring up to a healthcare professional.

Huynh said that uncertainty alone is reason enough to start the conversation.

“If you have the question of whether or not you should talk to somebody or seek help, that is reason enough to get help,” she said. “You don’t have to have all the answers. You can just start a conversation with your PCP.”

Even if medication is not something you want to pursue, healthcare professionals can still offer resources, lifestyle guidance and referrals to counseling or therapy.

If you do not currently have a go-to primary care clinic, Norman Regional can help connect you with one. You can book your appointment online or call 405-515-5000.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by going to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for confidential support.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, but support is available. Taking the first step can make a difference. This Mental Health Awareness Month, consider checking in with yourself, prioritizing your emotional wellness and reaching out if you need support.