January is recognized as Mental Health Month, a period to focus on emotional, social, and psychological health. It is different from Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May.
Mental Wellness Month focuses on proactive self-care, building resilience, and establishing positive habits for the New Year, such as mindfulness and self-compassion, to support overall well-being.
It is an opportunity to promote healthy routines such as exercise, good rest, and connection with others.
Good mental health can strengthen the immune system, increase energy, and reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart attacks. Some actions we can take to improve our mental health include achieving emotional balance through practices like yoga, breathing exercises, or meditation; finding a purpose by participating in activities that bring us joy; and prioritizing healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods and getting enough sleep.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), up to 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
According to data from 2024, there were approximately 48,800 deaths by suicide, with an overall rate of 13.7 per 100,000 people. The suicide rate in men was roughly four times higher than in women. The rate for men was 21.6 per 100,000, while for women it was 6.4 per 100,000.
The suicide rate in the United States generally rose over nearly two decades, with a brief decline at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic before rising again.
Experts warn that the slight decrease could be a temporary fluctuation and that many complex factors contribute to suicide risk, such as depression, difficulty accessing mental health care, and the availability of firearms.
Some warning signs of suicide include changes in eating or sleeping patterns, loss of interest in usual activities, isolation from friends and family, alcohol and drug abuse, and a preoccupation with death.
Among the organizations dedicated to promoting mental health is the Jason Foundation (JFI), which has become a valuable resource if you or a loved one is dealing with such issues.
This foundation is devoted to suicide prevention through educational programs that provide us with the tools and resources to identify and help at-risk youths and young adults.
It is important to know the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.
Knowing this information could be key to saving that person’s life, and they have resources and information at JasonFoundation.com.
Remember that there is also the 988 support line; it serves people 24 hours a day and can connect you with resources to cope with the situation you are experiencing.
It is very important that we give proper attention to our mental health and use this month to think about ourselves and others around us. We should pay attention to our surroundings and, if we need it, ask for help.
