By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement Officer, Choose Love Movement
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower people with tools to support emotional well-being. As part of this important initiative, we’re excited to introduce Shannon Desilets, who will be guiding individuals in exploring how simple, intentional movements can help regulate the nervous system and improve mental health.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters
The nervous system plays a foundational role in how we experience and respond to stress, anxiety, and trauma. When it’s dysregulated, we can feel chronically overwhelmed, fatigued, or emotionally reactive—symptoms many Americans face daily.
Mental Health in the U.S. – By the Numbers
Prevalence of Mental Illness
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1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
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Chronic stress contributes to 75–90% of all doctor visits, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or physical pain (American Institute of Stress).
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Trauma, both big and small, can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, especially if the body doesn’t have the tools to properly process it.
- 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder annually.
Impact of Chronic Stress
- 70% of primary care visits are driven by psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
- 60% of individuals report sleep difficulties due to stress, creating a cycle of fatigue and heightened anxiety
Treatment Gaps
- Less than half of adults with mental illness receive treatment each year.
- 11-year average delay between the onset of symptoms and seeking help.
This is where Shannon’s work comes in. Her trauma-informed, body-based approach helps individuals reconnect with their body’s natural rhythm and capacity for healing.
Movement Meets Neuroscience
Shannon combines gentle movement, neuroscience, and somatic awareness to teach practical techniques that support long-term nervous system health. These practices are accessible to all ages and fitness levels and are designed to:
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Enhance emotional regulation
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Improve sleep and energy levels
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Support trauma recovery
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Increase self-awareness and resilience
Through consistent, mindful movement, we can shift out of survival mode and into a more grounded, regulated state of being.
A Path Toward Resilience
As we begin Mental Health Awareness Month, Shannon’s message is clear: healing doesn’t always start in the mind. Sometimes, it begins in the body. By tuning into the signals of our nervous system and engaging in supportive practices, we create the conditions for true, lasting change.
Whether you’re managing daily stress or navigating deeper trauma, this is an opportunity to explore a science-backed, compassionate approach to wellness—one simple movement at a time.
#MentalHealth #ChooseLove #MHAM #NervousSystem
