May has always been one of the most important months of the year—students take SAT and AP exams in this month. Big events like prom and state music-festival take place this month as well. While you probably have a hectic schedule this month, don’t forget that this month is also a month that you should be taking more care of your mental health.

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in May 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. It’s a big month for mental health organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The Trevor Projects. Advocacies and walkouts that raise mental health awareness among people of all ages, ethnicities and genders are hosted this month. More and more organizations are taking advantage of social media to make videos and posts that teach people psychological terms or share ways to make mental health better. The significance of this celebration is bigger than ever as people have begun to take mental health more seriously than before.

In honor of this important month, I’ve asked some PIHS students and staff to share some of their tips to protect mental health. “Prioritize setting boundaries in any relationships you’re in, including with yourself. Don’t get burnt out cause finding balance is important,” psychology major-bound student Makayla White ’23 suggests. School social worker Mrs. Pinette says, “Make self-care a priority. Exercise, engage in artistic expressions or just take time to enjoy little things in life could all help with your mental well-being.”

Don’t forget to take some time to check on your mental health from your tight schedule because your well-being is the foundation for your energy to do chores, schoolwork or really anything in life!