Caring for your mind in today’s world
By Health Reporter
Robin Stoloff
With our lives moving faster and faster, stress piling up from all directions and the world feeling unpredictable, it is more important than ever to pause and check in with our mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it could not come at a better time.
The good news? Mental health is no longer the taboo topic it once was. We are having long-overdue conversations with greater awareness and incredible progress in treatment options. We no longer whisper about mental health issues behind closed doors. Instead we openly discuss it on social media, in boardrooms, in classrooms and around kitchen tables. From everyday people to celebrities sharing their journeys, mental health is finally in the spotlight. We are entering an era where mental wellness is viewed as a lifelong journey, not a crisis.
Access to help is easier than ever before. Gone are the days when seeing a therapist meant driving across town, waiting in a reception room and trying to squeeze a 50-minute session into a busy schedule. One of the most exciting changes in recent years is how accessible therapy has become thanks to the rise of virtual platforms.
Whether you are resting in bed, walking through a park, or sitting in your car during a lunch break, licensed counselors are just a click or text away. Teletherapy has evolved to offer video calls, chat and messaging options, making it easier than ever to incorporate mental healthcare into your everyday routine. Plus, AI-assistance personalizes the experience, with some apps tracking mood patterns, suggesting coping strategies, alerting users, or even their therapists, when something seems off. It’s not about replacing real human support; it’s about making that support more innovative, responsive and effective.
There are also incredible advancements in medication. If you or someone you know has ever struggled with finding the proper medication for depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, you know how frustrating and emotionally exhausting the process can be. Until recently, it’s often felt like a long, drawn-out guessing game of switching prescriptions, tweaking dosages and hoping something clicks.
That’s where pharmacogenetics comes in, matching medications to your DNA. Today, more doctors are using simple genetic tests to help determine which medications are most likely to work for you, reducing side effects and speeding up recovery. It’s a breakthrough that could spare people months or even years of trial and error. For many, this shift toward precision medicine is life-changing. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, you can now get a treatment plan tailored to your body, your brain and your needs.
One of the most exciting advancements is not just how we treat mental illness, but how we’re learning to prevent it in the first place. Consider how we care for our physical health: we go for annual checkups, take vitamins, eat nutritiously (at least we try) and stay physically active. Mental health is finally catching up. Schools are incorporating lessons on emotional intelligence and stress management. Workplaces are hiring wellness coordinators and offering mental health days. Even social media platforms are finding ways to promote positive mental health content over doom scrolling and negativity.
Apps focused on mindfulness, gratitude and resilience are more popular than ever. Some encourage daily check-ins, guided meditations, or short journaling prompts to help us reflect, reset and stay grounded. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” tools; they’re becoming part of daily routines that keep our minds as fit as our bodies.
How can you play a role during Mental Health Awareness Month this May? You don’t need to be a professional or an expert to make a difference; you just need to be open and compassionate. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Talk about it: Share your story or listen to someone else’s. Normalizing mental health struggles helps break the stigma.
Try something new: Download a mental wellness app, take a free mindfulness class, or explore resources you haven’t tried before.
Check in with others: Sometimes, asking, “How are you really doing?” opens the door to a meaningful conversation.
Appreciate the small stuff: Did you go for a walk today, take a screen break or meditate? Those small acts all make a difference.
This month is about more than just raising awareness. It is a reminder that mental health is a part of our lives, whether we’re facing challenges ourselves or supporting someone else.
While the path to mental wellness can be different for everyone, none of us has to walk it alone. So, take a moment to check in with yourself and with others. Try a new tool, talk to someone you trust, or take a break when needed. Small steps can make a real difference. This May, stay informed, stay connected and keep mental health in focus, not just for a month, but every day.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
