SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – May marks National Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
Mental health therapist, Kesha Simmons, said too often, people treat mental health like an extra instead of a necessity.
“A lot of times, we will prioritize our physical health and then see our mental health as a luxury,” Simmons said.
In recent years, medical professionals have worked to bring more attention to mental health and why it can’t be put on the back burner.
Recognizing the signs
As people try to balance work, school, and family responsibilities, it can lead to stress and eventually burnout. Simmons said it’s important to look for the signs in yourself and the people around you.
“Well, signs of burnout—irritability, fatigue… you’re very tired, you’re losing energy… finding you have to drag yourself out of bed, or just to do day-to-day routine things,” Simmons said.
Simmons said one of the most important things people can do is slow down, rest and give themselves a chance to reset. She also encourages building a support system you can lean on when things get heavy.
Some students at Captain Shreve High School said they’ve already seen how much that can help.
“Turning to my peers, like my friends, who guided me to talk to a trusted adult like my dad… it really helped me get through that hard time. And so, I just always would like to reiterate that finding someone that you can talk to and can trust, it can really help you,” said Yasmin Calbert, a student and mental health advocate.
Michael Hicks, also a student and mental health advocate, said taking time to rest has improved his performance.
“It’s taking that rest and taking that time just to take a breather, take a breath. It’s been helpful, even in my performance, because I do feel active, but I also feel more relaxed and not so pressured to get everything done in a certain time. So many times, as top performers, we can feel guilty that we have to get everything done,” Hicks said.
Calbert said help is out there and you don’t have to handle it alone.
“You’re not alone. There’s always somebody out there that you can talk to, even when you feel like you have no one to turn to. There’s always somebody out there who will listen to what you have to say,” Calbert said.
Simmons urged anyone struggling to reach out, starting with a primary care doctor or medical provider who can help connect you with a therapist or other mental health professionals.
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