MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
5 Ways To Care For Your Mental Health
Mental health is complex. It’s part of our thoughts, emotions, habits, priorities, energy levels, appetite, feelings, relationships, finances, and every other part of our lives. Take a moment to check in with yourself. Need a little mental health maintenance? Here are some care tips:
Everyday mental health
Everyday mental health
Do something nice for someone. Smile at a stranger. Compliment someone’s outfit. Wave at a baby in the grocery store. Or bring someone’s garbage cans in for them. Even small acts of kindness can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain – an instant boost to your mood, feelings of satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.
Educate yourself on what mental health is – and isn’t. Health is more than activity and what you eat – it’s your state of mind as well. In an age of social media psychologists, make sure you’re getting information from credible sources. Here are a few places to start:
When things get tough
When things get tough
Talk to someone. Whether a trusted friend or family member, your doctor or therapist, or the 988 Crisis Line – talking to someone can help ease your burden or stress. With nearly 1 in 4 US adults experiencing a mental health condition, you’re not alone if you need assistance.
Try counseling. Whether in-person or virtual (through secure teleconference), counseling can help you work through challenges, learn or refine skills, navigate a big life change, or remain a long-term partner in caring for your mental health. Virtual and in-person sessions are often available depending on your provider and medical insurance.
Research mental health providers by state, specialty, and more (confirm insurance coverage)
Learn about medication options. Medication – whether short-term or long-term – can be a helpful tool to manage your mental health. Your primary doctor will likely refer you to a psychiatrist, a medical doctor specializing in mental health, to prescribe and manage medication.
Remember: whatever it is, you don’t have to go through it alone.