March is a month to be mindful of the mental health battles people struggle with everyday. March is Self-Harm awareness month which helps to provide support for those who struggle with thoughts or actions of self-injury. This also educates others who want resources to help individuals who are suffering in silence. You never know what someone is going through, so be sure to offer support and kindness to your peers and loved ones, especially this month.  

March 1st:

This day is Self-Injury Awareness Day and Zero Discrimination Day. On March 1st, you may see people sporting an orange ribbon to represent hope for those who participate or used to participate in self harm. Having a day dedicated to this helps educate the public and makes people feel represented. Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality for all, no matter their race, gender, or sexuality. A symbol for this day is the butterfly to represent growth and positive transformation. 

March 2nd:

This is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. This day represents young people who struggle with Mental Illness. According to North Central Health Care, every 1 in 6 teens experience mental health conditions, usually beginning at the age of 14. This day encourages teens to talk about their feelings and what they are going through. This mostly focuses on those who experience anxiety and depression; however, no matter what mental health condition you have, always make sure to reach out to someone you trust. If that individual can’t help, guidance counselors or staff can offer resources and support. 

March 8th-14th:

This is National Sleep Awareness Week. This week was established in 1988 by the National Sleep Foundation. This week exists to promote the importance of sleep and to raise awareness for those who experience sleep disorders. Some sleep disorders to be aware of are insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and others. Having a consistent sleep schedule can improve mood and mental health. 

March 16th-22nd:

This is Brain Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness about the importance of brain health. This encourages people to learn more about brain science and how the brain impacts our lives. To participate, people can host brain fairs, school workshops, and discussions on brain health.  

March 30th: 

This is World Bipolar Day. There is a day dedicated to raising awareness for those who struggle with bipolar disorder. This day helps encourage people to get help if needed for their disorder. People who experience these extreme mood switches need extra support from family, friends, and others. To support people you know who suffer from bipolar disorder, participate in the Bipolar Bubbles challenge. To participate, you must blow bubbles in a creative way and post it with the hashtags, #BipolarDay, or #Bipolar Bubbles. This challenge symbolizes the bubbly personality that people with Bipolar disorder often have when not struggling with the condition. 

March is a very important month to acknowledge those who struggle with mental illness, but mental health awareness shouldn’t stop in March. We have the power to make every month an awareness month. It’s important that we continue to support, educate, and speak up for each other. If you think that someone is struggling, check up on them, because even one small action can make a big difference in the life of someone who feels alone. Some warning signs to look out for are behavioral changes like suddenly becoming withdrawn or participating less in activities. Another red flag is sudden changes in academic performance. If you or someone you know is talking about suicidal ideations or talking about future plans to do self-harm, tell someone immediately and don’t leave that person alone if they are in crisis. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts call either 988 or 1-855-654-6735. No matter how bad things get, just remember that you are stronger than you think, and you should not use permanent solutions, like suicide, for temporary problems. With help, it is possible to get past even seemingly insurmountable obstacles.