May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, this time may feel especially overwhelming and anxiety-ridden. 

That's why organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are so important. The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI offers support, fights stigma, educates the public, and advocates for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

If you can, will you consider making a donation to NAMI today?

With everything going on, it’s easy to put a singular focus on our physical health. However, mental health and wellbeing are just as important. It's vital that you continue to make time for yourself, check in on loved ones, and remember that it's okay to not feel okay.

If you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed, here are five useful suggestions from the CDC:

1. Take time to PAUSE. Take deep breaths. Notice how you feel. Meditate. 

2. Make sure to take BREAKS from COVID-19-related news.

3. Cut out time for proper SLEEP and EXERCISE -- even if that's just a walk around the block.

4. REACH OUT and stay connected with friends and family, either virtually or at a social distance.

5. SEEK HELP when you need it. You can call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center’s 24/7 Helpline at (800) 854-7771 or text "LA" to 741741. Likewise, you can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746 

For further information, you can find NAMI's comprehensive COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide, here.

Thank you,

-- Team Sánchez