Mental Health & Well-being Practices
What does supporting your mental health look like this season? The research shows that about 1 in 5 US adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. Given the prevalence and current body of knowledge, it is recognized that mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness, rather it’s a vital part of our health, well-being, and quality of life.
Try taking this short, interactive CDC Mental Health Quiz and see if you can separate myth from the facts.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices in life, and relate to others. Self-care can play a role in maintaining our mental health and help support treatment and recovery of a mental illness.
Mental health is important because it can help you to:
Cope with the stresses of life
Be physically healthy
Have good relationships
Make meaningful contributions to your community
Work productively
Realize your full potential
There are many ways to support your mental health through self-care practices including:
~Getting regular exercise/activity
~Eating healthy, regular meals and staying hydrated
~Making sleep a priority
~Focusing on positivity
~Practicing gratitude
~Connecting with others
~Creating goals and priorities
~Trying relaxing activities such as meditation and prayer
If you have concerns about your mental health, seeking out help and talking with a trusted healthcare provider, family member or friend in your community can be a first step towards connecting with a mental health professional if needed. Unsure how to start the conversation? Check out this NIMH talking tips resource.
Finding the courage to enlist support when needed and striving for regular self-care practices that help to support your mental health and well-being will serve you and your loved ones well in this season and in the days ahead!
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