Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How You Can Make a Difference

Every May, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to talk more openly about mental 

well-being, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always within reach. But this month is about more than just awareness—it's about action, understanding, and community support.

Why Mental Health Awareness Is Important

Mental health influences everything: how we think, feel, connect, and function. Just like physical health, our minds need care too. And yet, so many people struggle silently because of fear, stigma, or lack of access to help.

By raising awareness, we help create a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health—and to seek support when it’s needed.

Common Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues show up in many ways—anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or even just the stress of daily life. Some people may look like they’re doing fine on the outside, but internally, they’re battling something difficult.

How You Can Help

Eating Healthy on a Budget: Smart Tips That Actually Work

 Eating healthy doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a few simple adjustments and smart choices, you can enjoy nutritious meals without spending a fortune. Here’s how:

1. Skip the Junk Food

Let’s be honest—junk food is tempting, especially when shopping with kids or a partner who keeps sneaking chips into the cart. Try shopping alone when you can. It helps you stick to your list and avoid impulse buys.

Eating Healthy as a Vegetarian (Yes, It’s Totally Doable)

Going vegetarian? Nice! It can actually be one of the healthiest ways to eat — as long as you're not just replacing meat with fries and calling it a day. Like any diet, it’s all about variety, balance, and not overdoing it with any one thing.

What Does Being a Vegetarian Mean?

Being vegetarian just means cutting out all kinds of meat — that includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken, 
and even fish. But within the vegetarian world, there are a few types:

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians

These folks avoid meat but still eat eggs and dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Vegans

Vegans skip anything that comes from animals — no meat, no eggs, no dairy, not even honey. It’s the most plant-focused of all the vegetarian styles.

So... Where Do You Get Your Protein?

One of the biggest myths about being vegetarian is that it’s hard to get enough protein. Truth is, most people already eat more protein than they actually need.

Eating Healthy in College (Without Being Boring About It)

 Let’s be real — eating healthy in college is a whole different vibe. Between late-night pizza runs, vending machine snacks, and the occasional “breakfast” that’s just coffee, it’s easy to forget what a balanced meal even looks like.

But here’s the thing: what you eat actually plays a huge role in how you feel and function. Struggling to stay awake during lectures? Catching every cold that goes around campus? Yeah, your diet might have something to do with that.

It's not just about dodging junk food (although, yes, maybe chill on the fries). A lot of the issue comes from not getting enough of the good stuff — like protein, healthy carbs, vitamins, and minerals — the things your body needs to keep going.

Take vitamins, for example. They’re key for keeping your immune system strong. But that doesn’t mean you need to raid the supplement aisle at the drugstore. The best source of vitamins is still actual food.