May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an opportunity for individuals and businesses alike to pause, take stock and focus on mental health. It is also Lawyer's Mental Health Awareness Month, which serves to highlight the particular stresses that come with high-performing, high-demand careers and that
mental health awareness is necessary and universal.
A recent poll shows that 73% of Chicago-based residents and 65% of suburbanites are concerned about mental health, according to an OpEd written by William Johnson, CEO of The Harris Poll for Crain's Chicago Business. "From a list of 10 common public health concerns, Chicago-area
residents cited mental health (69%) behind only the COVID-19 pandemic (79%) and public safety (70%),” Johnson writes. “Mental health was selected as an active issue more often than substance abuse (64%), obesity (51%) and chronic disease (48%)."
So while we may not have been talking about mental health on a regular basis; we have ALL been thinking about it.
As the weather breaks, and we get desperate to stretch our legs and our minds--this is a wonderful opportunity to begin a new habit or even kick one that is not bringing you happiness or peace. I am always looking for a reason to think about
renewal and taking a step--even a very small one--towards new, positive habits; let this newsletter be the reason you step outside or take a proverbial step towards a new goal.
As many of you have heard me say: Something is better than nothing!
But, in all seriousness, do not neglect your mental health. Set a lofty goal for yourself--and some easily attainable ones, too. Find a buddy to motivate you and share in your triumphs. Be kind to yourself but not afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
