Mental health matters: ADAM encourages Manitobans to spring clean their minds

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) is shining a light on supporting people who struggle with mental health, particularly in the month of May. 

"Spring is typically a time when people spend time tidying up around their home, taking out the garbage," says Scott McFadyen, the Executive Director of ADAM. "We're asking people to do the same sort of thing with their mental health."

ADAM was founded in 1986 and continues to offer two streams of programming. Peer support programming and a public education stream to help reduce the stigma as well as offer treatment options. 

"Don't wait for a crisis. If something's been bothering you, we're asking people to make that call or reach out to a loved one. Nowadays, it's okay to struggle with your mental health. What isn't okay is continuing to suffer when there are options out there to make your life well worth living."

McFadyen shares a few practical tips on how people can reduce anxiety during May's Mental Health Awareness month.

"One thing for sure, and spring allows us to do this, is get outside in nature. There is a direct correlation between healthy mental health and spending time in nature and outdoors. On the other side of that, a little less screen time. There's a direct correlation between poor mental health and screen time, so maybe put the phone down for a little while."

Some other ways ADAM shares could help people battling anxiety are to create a to-do list of short and long-term goals. A large part of anxiety is worrying about what the future holds, so focusing on the present and what's happening directly around a person can also help calm the nervous system. 

"Life is a wonderful thing but let's not take our mental health for granted. There is a lot of stressors around us nowadays. The economy, everything that's going on politically and socially, so take the time. Pause and smell the flowers, and take care of your mental health."

For anyone interested in finding out more resources or help, ADAM can be found on their website or by calling 1-800-805-8885.