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The ‘Positive’ Side to Mental Health

Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

Shari's Berries

Sent on 19 May 2024 02:03 PM

Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance that seeks to increase understanding of mental health issues and its role in our well-being. Over the years, the occasion has helped reduce the stigma around related illnesses.

Ive seen a remarkable change in my lifetime. When I was growing up, the topic was rarely discussed. Friends who struggled with anxiety, loneliness, or depression often did so in silence. Back then, admitting to a mental health issue was seen as a sign of weakness.

Today, people are much more open to discussing their experiences. Thanks to programs in schools, workplace initiatives, technology, media coverage, and even celebrities, more people feel comfortable having a conversation about mental health. As a result, people are more likely to seek help, and resources like therapy, hotlines, and online support groups are more accessible than ever before.

Why the mission isnt accomplished

Despite success in raising awareness and improving access to treatment, we still have a long way to go. As Ive written previously, too many of our friends, colleagues, and neighbors continue to struggle with mental illnesses an estimated one in five adults.

There are several reasons for the persistence, ranging from drug abuse and trauma to the prolonged isolation of the pandemic and heightened stress over the economy, politics, and work demands. Greater awareness of the issue has also led to more diagnoses.

Id like to zero in on one factor: Loneliness. Its both a cause and a symptom, and experts say social isolation in itself is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing mental illness and other serious medical conditions. Nearly 25% of adults report feeling very or fairly lonely.

Its an area where we can all make a difference. By using our power of connection, we can end the epidemic of loneliness and help improve the mental health of people throughout the community. You can help someone with just a phone call or a text message, and a few kind words like How are you doing? or Want to grab a coffee?

Simple actions like friendly conversation help foster a sense of connection and belonging a potent antidote to depression and anxiety. And the good feelings flow in both directions. Your mood will get a lift from reaching out, too.

The power of positivity

Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about illness. It also forces us to think about whats working (like the connection between relationships and happiness) and what we can do to improve overall health and well-being.

In fact, a relatively new branch of psychology focuses on fostering the ordinary virtues that make up a happy and fulfilling life. The positive psychology movement, led by Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, emerged in the late 1990s.

For an explanation, I reached out to my friend, Dr. George Everly, a psychologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a member of the 1-800-Flowers.com Connectivity Council. He noted that although positive psychology is new, it has roots going back centuries.

"Positive psychology is the study of our strengths, and how to maximize them. It's about flourishing. It's about wellness, stemming from the wellness movement that was founded in Greece over 2,000 years ago. Fast forward to the 20th century, and it was given a rebirth of sorts.

Dr. Everly sees positive psychology as tying together physical and mental well-being. By focusing on strengths in both aspects of our lives, we can better understand how to create happy and meaningful lives. He says:

Positive psychology is not a treatment, but it can help a person become the best person they can be, with a greater appreciation of what life has to offer.

A cascading impact

You can use the attributes of positive psychology to enhance your well-being and happiness. Dr. Everly says many of the behaviors reinforce and enhance the others, which he calls the positive psychology cascade.

For example, relationships and engagement with others can help you build a resilient foundation for coping with lifes challenges. Positive interactions with others also help foster a sense of belonging and support, which in turn enhances emotional well-being. And engaging in activities often involves collaboration and sharing experiences with others.

Meanwhile, finding meaning and purpose in life is another key part of a happy life. Reflect on what gives your life purpose and set goals, whether in your career, personal growth, or community involvement. That, in turn, helps you build positive relationships as you invest time into nurturing them. Show appreciation, offer support, and engage in meaningful conversations to strengthen your connections.

Our understanding of mental health has changed dramatically since the first Mental Health Awareness Month 75 years ago. Its no longer just about destigmatizing mental illness but also finding ways to support and enhance mental wellness. Lets focus on our strengths and especially our relationships to create a healthier and happier world for everyone.

All the best,

Jim

At some point in our lives, we or someone we love may have to undergo a major surgery. How can we better prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the period before and after surgery so that we can recover faster and stronger?

Leading up to a procedure, Heather Campbell realized how important personal preparation for surgery is to your recovery. Her experience inspired her to create Ready Set Recover, an online resource focused on preparing the mind, body, and spirit in the time leading up to and after surgery so that users can recover better and with less stress.

Heather joins me on this weeks Celebrations Chatter, where she shares Ready Set Recovers mission, methods, and successes. We also explore the connection between the mind and body, how our stress levels impact our recovery, and how parents can talk to their children about surgery.

Tune in for an insightful look at preparedness and recovery, and please let me know whats on your mind at .

Stories about the fallen veterans in your life

Memorial Day is one week away, marking the unofficial start of summer and reminding us how quickly time flies as we approach June. Amid the festivities, we cant forget the day is primarily dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives in wars to protect our country.

For a special Memorial Day Celebrations Pulse, I would like to include stories from our community about how youve been touched by the sacrifices of the men and women in our military. And if you have friends or family members who served and sacrificed in the pursuit and defense of freedom, please share your stories with me.

On the Pulse: Revisiting church & community

Back in January, I wrote a Celebrations Pulse on how the decline in social institutions might be exacerbating the loneliness epidemic. The first example I used was the decline in church attendance thats occurred in recent years.

My argument wasnt centered on religion, but rather on the benefits of a group of people coming together in pursuit of a common interest or belief. In fact, I also used social clubs, bars, and empty offices as other signs of declining social engagements.

Last month, The Wall Street Journal published an article exploring the mental health benefits linked to church attendance. It also pointed out that places of worship regardless of religion provide a sense of community and belonging.

If you havent read the article, you can access it here (subscription may be required).

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Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

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celebrations pulse

Ive seen a remarkable change in my lifetime. When I was growing up, the topic was rarely discussed. Friends who struggled with anxiety, loneliness, or depression often did so in silence. Back then, admitting to a mental health issue was seen as a sign of weakness.

Today, people are much more open to discussing their experiences. Thanks to programs in schools, workplace initiatives, technology, media coverage, and even celebrities, more people feel comfortable having a conversation about mental health. As a result, people are more likely to seek help, and resources like therapy, hotlines, and online support groups are more accessible than ever before.

Why the mission isnt accomplishedDespite success in raising awareness and improving access to treatment, we still have a long way to go. As Ive written previously, too many of our friends, colleagues, and neighbors continue to struggle with mental illnesses an

estimated one in five adults.

There are several reasons for the persistence, ranging from drug abuse and trauma to the prolonged isolation of the pandemic and heightened stress over the economy, politics, and work demands. Greater awareness of the issue has also led to more diagnoses.

very or fairly lonely.

Its an area where we can all make a difference. By using our power of connection, we can end the epidemic of loneliness and help improve the mental health of people throughout the community. You can help someone with just a phone call or a text message, and a few kind words like How are you doing? or Want to grab a coffee?

Simple actions like friendly conversation help foster a sense of connection and belonging a potent antidote to depression and anxiety. And the good feelings flow in both directions. Your mood will get a lift from reaching out, too.

The power of positivity Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about illness. It also forces us to think about whats working (like the connection between relationships and happiness) and what we can do to improve overall health and well-being.

In fact, a relatively new branch of psychology focuses on fostering the ordinary virtues that make up a happy and fulfilling life. The positive psychology movement, led by Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, emerged in the late 1990s.

For an explanation, I reached out to my friend, Dr. George Everly, a psychologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a member of the 1-800-Flowers.com Connectivity Council. He noted that although positive psychology is new, it has roots going back centuries.

"Positive psychology is the study of our strengths, and how to maximize them. It's about flourishing. It's about wellness, stemming from the wellness movement that was founded in Greece over 2,000 years ago. Fast forward to the 20th century, and it was given a rebirth of sorts.

Positive psychology is not a treatment, but it can help a person become the best person they can be, with a greater appreciation of what life has to offer.

A cascading impact You can use the attributes of positive psychology to enhance your well-being and happiness. Dr. Everly says many of the behaviors reinforce and enhance the others, which he calls the positive psychology cascade.

For example, relationships and engagement with others can help you build a resilient foundation for coping with lifes challenges. Positive interactions with others also help foster a sense of belonging and support, which in turn enhances emotional well-being. And engaging in activities often involves collaboration and sharing experiences with others.

Our understanding of mental health has changed dramatically since the first Mental Health Awareness Month 75 years ago. Its no longer just about destigmatizing mental illness but also finding ways to support and enhance mental wellness. Lets focus on our strengths and especially our relationships to create a healthier and happier world for everyone.

All the best,

Jim

Chris

Shop 1-800-Flowers.com

Leading up to a procedure, Heather Campbell realized how important personal preparation for surgery is to your recovery. Her experience inspired her to create Ready Set Recover, an online resource focused on preparing the mind, body, and spirit in the time leading up to and after surgery so that users can recover better and with less stress.

Heather joins me on this weeks Celebrations Chatter, where she shares Ready Set Recovers mission, methods, and successes. We also explore the connection between the mind and body, how our stress levels impact our recovery, and how parents can talk to their children about surgery.

Tune in for an insightful look at preparedness and recovery, and please let me know whats on your mind at .

Stories about the fallen veterans in your life

Memorial Day is one week away, marking the unofficial start of summer and reminding us how quickly time flies as we approach June. Amid the festivities, we cant forget the day is primarily dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives in wars to protect our country.

For a special Memorial Day Celebrations Pulse, I would like to include stories from our community about how youve been touched by the sacrifices of the men and women in our military. And if you have friends or family members who served and sacrificed in the pursuit and defense of freedom, please share your stories with me.

On the Pulse: Revisiting church & community

Back in January, I wrote a Celebrations Pulse on how the decline in social institutions might be exacerbating the loneliness epidemic. The first example I used was the decline in church attendance thats occurred in recent years.

My argument wasnt centered on religion, but rather on the benefits of a group of people coming together in pursuit of a common interest or belief. In fact, I also used social clubs, bars, and empty offices as other signs of declining social engagements.

Last month, The Wall Street Journal published an article exploring the mental health benefits linked to church attendance. It also pointed out that places of worship regardless of religion provide a sense of community and belonging.

If you havent read the article, you can access it here (subscription may be required).