By Cami Aufdermauer
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a powerful reminder to check in not only on the people around us but on ourselves. Mental health isn’t just about crisis moments or diagnoses. It’s about wellness, a daily practice of showing up for your mind, your emotions, and your purpose.
For me, one of the most important things I’ve learned is this: mental health is rooted in connection. The more connected we are to ourselves, to others, and to something greater, the stronger and more resilient we become.
Connection to self means knowing yourself well enough to recognize what you need. Sometimes it’s reaching out for support. Sometimes it’s taking a walk, unplugging for a bit, or simply giving yourself permission to rest. Living with a growth mindset means asking, “What is this moment trying to teach me?” instead of, “What’s wrong with me?” It’s about being kind and curious with your inner world.
Connection to others is equally vital. We’re not meant to do life alone. Who’s in your circle? Who lifts you up, checks in on you, challenges you to grow? For me, I’ve found deep support in my church community and in my roles as a child advocate and hospice chaplain. These spaces remind me that I’m not the only one carrying hard things, and that compassion and shared experience can be healing.
And finally, connection to purpose is what keeps me going. I believe there’s a greater plan at work in my life. Knowing I’m part of something bigger helps me step outside of my own anxiety or stress and re-center on what really matters. Purpose gives me the courage to show up, even on the hard days, because I know my presence and my voice matter.
If you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But I encourage you to pause and ask: How connected am I to myself, to my people, to my purpose?
Mental health isn’t just an individual journey. It’s a shared one. The more we choose connection, the stronger and more whole we become.
You don’t have to have it all together. You just have to stay connected.