Mental Health Check-In: How Are You Doing?
Mental health is something that has, of course, always been important; recently, however, it’s become less stigmatized and more freely discussed. And it’s about time – because with the craziness of this year, we could use all use a little more mental health support.
With that being said, how are you doing? Let’s take a moment to check in on YOU.
Start by asking yourself these 5 questions:
- Have I been more sad or stressed than happy lately?
- Am I isolating myself from my friends or family?
- Have I been easily irritated?
- Am I eating too much or too little?
- Is there anything that I have been thinking too much about or obsessing over?
If the answer to any of these questions are yes, then it sounds like it’s time to take a breath and practice some self-care!
Here are 5 self-care things you can do:
- Communicate; see (safely, of course), video chat, or call close family or friends. It can make a world of difference talking to someone you love; they might just make your day.
2. Get outdoors or be active in some way. Exercise truly is a natural drug. As we have heard throughout the years, it releases all the feel-good chemicals we need to be just a bit happier. No need for a strenuous workout, even a short walk or online yoga flow can help!
3. Talk to a professional. Of course talking to a mental health professional or medical professional can be helpful if you are ready to take that step. They can help in so many ways- from providing resources, strategies for bad days, and even medication if needed.
4. Take some personal time. This can be anything from doing your favorite hobby, to a DIY spa day or even just watching a show you’re really into.
5. Communicate things you need. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask; this goes for work and personal life. Ask your friends and family when you need something – they will be more than happy to help!
Most of all, remember that there is no shame in feeling blue or out of sorts. Talk about mental health. Practice mental health. Bad mental health days are sick days, too.
Take care of yourself, now more than ever. With the ever changing climate in the world, it’s easy to feel at times like you can’t escape some of the negativity. We need mental health check-ins, self-care ideas and all the resources we can get.
If you would like to learn more or need help, we have found some great links below. And remember: Be kind to one another and yourself!
Mental Health Resources:
- Lifeline & Suicide Hotline Number: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- Mental health referral helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Some Digital Mental Health Resources: https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/mental-health-resources-list/
- If you think you might have symptoms of a mental health condition: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools
- Some other helpful resources if you want to do things on your own: https://screening.mhanational.org/diy
- Comprehensive Mental Health Resource List: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/mental-health-resources/
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