The Month of May

Happy 4th of May! May the FOURTH be with you! (Get it? Star Wars reference) Not only does the month of May encompass Star Wars's day, but the month of May have two very important meanings. Can you guess?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month AND Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Two very big topics that society needs to acknowledge and respect.

Mental health is a struggle for many people in the modern day, but most of us do not talk about it with others. We keep lots of our feelings inside, afraid to discuss our battles, our struggles, about our own thoughts in our minds with others. It's okay to be not okay. Nothing is more scary than to have lots of thoughts racing in one's mind. It is a constant uphill battle. But I like to say to all of you out there that are struggling with mental health, you are NOT alone. I struggle with mental health too. I get panic/anxiety attacks, and they aren't pretty. They terrify me to my core and each time I enter a state of panic/anxiety, I am worried I would not get out of the hole I dug myself into. I like to share some of the things I do to keep myself from spiraling.

1.) Breathe. Take a deep breath and breathe. Take multiple if needed. Know you are still living, you are still breathing, you are still functioning. When I get into one of those mental states, I forget I am capable. Taking a deep breath brings me back to reality, to earth, knowing I am okay.

2.) Write your worries down. A lot of times, I enter a panic/anxiety attack because I have too many things on my plate to do. What I do, I write them all down. I see what I can do now, what I can delay to do, and what I can push to a future date to work on. By writing them down, it allows me to see the big picture and sort out a plan on how to tackle all the tasks I need to do. BUT seeing all of the stuff one needs to do can be frightening. Don't worry, you got this. Know time is just an illusion, and you have the time to do them all. You are capable of managing your time wisely to be efficient and get things done in a timely fashion.

3.) Change your perspective. A lot of times, we see being busy as something overwhelming. Being busy isn't a bad thing. That just means you have things you need to attend to, whether it is schoolwork, work, or events. What should change is how you see it. Instead of painting a bad picture of being busy, paint being busy as a positive thing. You have things you need to do, meaning you have many opportunities out there waiting for you! This can mean to further your career goals, further your relationships with friends and family, or further your studies, knowledge, and personal growth. All good things! Put a positive spin on your tasks at hand.

4.) Self-affirmations-quotes and songs. For me, I love reading quotes that give me empowerment and the strength of encouragement or motivation to help me get through the difficult times. Music is another way for me to help me feel calm and rational and be able to tackle what's ahead of me. It just takes a little bit of stepping back, relaxing, and reassuring oneself that you are capable of handling it all. YOU GOT THIS. The quotes and songs also remind me that I am not alone. Many people struggle with mental health and needs that "pick me up" that will make them feel better. It's a little ray of sunshine, letting you know, everything is going to be okay.

With mental health struggles, there are also struggles for the Asian Americans. Especially in the entertainment industry. It is another constant battle that will be going on for years to come. However, we can try to change it, a little step at a time. I personally am doing a group project on the topic of Asian American representation in the entertainment industry and present some solutions to the issue. Asian Americans are making progress in the entertainment industry, slowly, gradually, but surely. One step to getting closer to representation is to support one another. Watch a movie with an Asian American actor or actress or go to a store that is owned by an Asian American. This support will speak volumes as the unity and number will be the voice for Asian Americans. This isn't only for Asian Americans either, it can go for all the minority groups out there. Support each other, and together, we can be stronger and better, together as one team!

May is full of challenges personally and ethnicity wise, but one this is for sure. May is full of strength and power as long as you see and believe it. Be strong and keep fighting. Always keep going and things will be better. Believe in the month of May. May the fourth be with you.