Mental Health Awareness Month

Embracing Comfort During Mental Health Awareness Month

For Mental Health Awareness month, we’d like to take a moment to share the importance of well-being and comfort - not just for those facing mental health challenges, but for everyone. Staying balanced as we go through our day-to-day lives, juggling responsibilities and handling family life, careers and more can get overwhelming. It’s important to check in with yourself periodically, be aware of your mental, physical and emotional bandwidth and recharge yourself if you need it. They say you can’t pour from an empty cup and these days, it’s become quite essential to create moments of peace, relaxation and joy for yourself. Amidst the complex landscape of mental health, simple acts of self-care and finding comfort in our surroundings can have a profound impact.

According to dosomething.org, more than 50 million Americans struggle with mental illness. Mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Many factors contribute to the development of a mental health condition, including life experiences (such as trauma or a history of abuse), biological factors, and family history of mental illness. One in five young people (ages 13-18) has or will develop a mental illness in their lifetime and youth depression rates have risen from 12.9% to 25.2% from pre-pandemic to 2021. Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income.

Here are some ways to help promote Mental Health Awareness Month, according to Betterhelp.com, during this month or any time of the year:

Create a self-care routine.
Try meditating.
Check in on those around you.
Tell them your experience.
Support a mental health organization.
Speak with a therapist.

To read the full article, click here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/8-ways-to-participate-in-mental-health-awareness-month/

At Shannon Fabrics, supporting our community is one of the hallmarks of our business. Our company's motto, Making The World A Softer Place®, conveys more than the soft feel of the fabrics we sell — it's a mindset that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference in somebody's life. Beyond profits, we recognize the reality that our existence has an impact and we are dedicated to making that impact a positive one.

Our product, Cuddle® minky, is a fabric we are proud of not just because of its quality, but also the impact it has on those who have experienced it. Here are some ways Cuddle® minky fabric can help deliver a unique sense of comfort that contributes to wellness:

Creating a Safe Space:

Various mental and emotional struggles, from anxiety, grief, depression and more often leave people feeling vulnerable and seeking a safe haven. Cuddle® minky fabric, with its soft touch and soothing texture, can give you a sense of calm and safety we sometimes lack. Whether wrapped around as a blanket or used as pillows and cushions, the tactile experience of Cuddle® fabric can provide a sense of security and tranquility, enabling individuals to relax and recharge within their own personal sanctuary.

Easing Anxiety and Stress:

Anxiety and stress can be overwhelming, affecting mental and physical health alike. During times of heightened anxiety, there are a plethora of tools and practices that can help. What works varies from individual to individual, but things like essential oils and teas with soothing properties, like lavender, chamomile, and more, can help deliver a sense of calm. The sensory properties of Cuddle® minky fabric can offer some relief as well. The gentle pressure and comforting feel of the fabric can help regulate the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. We’ve published information on how to make weighted pillows, weighted eye masks, blankets and other items with Cuddle® that have been known to help people experiencing stress and anxiety to find some relief and comfort. You’ll also find information on how Cuddle® can be incorporated into a Cuddle® sensory box. Incorporating Cuddle® fabric into daily routines, such as using it during meditation or as a part of a calming bedtime ritual, can contribute to managing anxiety and stress levels.

Encouraging Self-Care Rituals:

Self-care plays a pivotal role in mental health management. Engaging in nurturing activities and practicing self-compassion is vital to giving us a balanced life experience, whether you’ve received an official diagnosis or not. Cuddle® minky fabric can become an integral part of self-care rituals, embracing the concept of "me time." Whether indulging in a warm cup of tea while wrapped in a Cuddle® blanket, reading a book while snuggled up with a Cuddle® pillow or practicing mindfulness with a Cuddle® plush toy, these small acts of self-care can enhance emotional well-being and provide comfort during challenging times.

Promoting Connection and Support:

One of the fundamental aspects of mental health awareness is fostering a sense of community and support. Cuddle® fabric can play a role in building connections and encouraging emotional support. Sharing the experience of Cuddle® fabric with loved ones can create opportunities for bonding and empathy. Whether gifting a Cuddle® blanket to a friend in need or snuggling up with a Cuddle® plush toy during a therapy session, the presence of Cuddle® fabric can serve as a reminder that support is within reach.

**Please note, this article is not meant to be received as medical advice. All copy found here is based on research published online and our customer testimonials over the years. Please consult with your medical provider for more personalized information about mental health and what is right for you.