Community Mental Health

August is National Wellness Month

Wellness is the active process of making choices that support a health mind and body.  Most of us focus on our physical wellbeing.  We make plans and even New Year’s resolutions to spend more time in the gym, to spend more time exercising or promise to dedicate ourselves to strengthening our bodies.  But, equally as important is to strengthen our minds and make our mental wellbeing just as strong.

Research shows that healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits promote mental health and wellness and can be used to both prevent and treat mental health conditions.  These include anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders.  The lifestyle areas that promote and support mental health are:

• Physical activity
  • Physical Activity impacts mental health as exercise has consistently shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
• Diet and Nutrition
  • Diets focusing on whole foods, particularly vegetables, fruits, beans, unprocessed grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish are associated with positive effects on mental health.
• Mind-body and Mindfulness practices
  • The practice of yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress and improve well-being. Chronic stress decreases the ability to cope and leads to negative physical and mental health.
• Restorative Sleep
  • Most of us don’t get enough sleep. More than 70 million Americans experience sleep disorders each year affecting the quality and amount of rest they get.  Sleep helps brain function.  Poor sleep leads to fatigue and irritability.
• Social Connections
  • A strong social connection with family and friends has shown to provide better coping mechanisms and emotional support leading to better mental health.
• Avoiding harmful situations
  • Harmful substances including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs can lead to chronic illness causing physical and mental illness. Substance Use Disorders can also negatively impact relationships.

One’s own motivations and efforts are part of how each individual determines what works and appeals to them in their own efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mental wellness. Assessing where you are, your concerns, and what resources are available is the first step to incorporating health behaviors.  

Set goals using the SMART System. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound goals keep you on track and accountable.

And always remember that there is help out there.  You are not alone.  The 988 lifeline is a free, confidential service that is available by call, text or chat, 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.  For information www.988lifeline.org or just dial 988 if you need someone to talk to.