Mental Health Care Tips to Help Yourself
Boosting Your Mental Health
Little things can make a difference, so we recommend trying some of these ideas to keep up mental wellness:
- Practice optimism as much as possible. A positive attitude and laughter can boost your mood.
- Spend time with people who make you happy and make you laugh.
- Exercise: take a walk around the block, walk up and down the stairs – something to get you moving. Exercise improves how you feel physically as well as mentally.
Boosting Your Mental Health (PDF)
Depression Affects Your Mind and Body
Everyone feels sad or blue sometimes. Depression is when feeling sad or blue lasts for a long time (more than 2 weeks) and interferes with daily life. It is one of the most common mental health problems in the US and can make you feel sad, helpless, and hopeless. It is also common for people with chronic health conditions to also have depression. Tips to help yourself if you feel depressed:
- Educate yourself about depression.
- Manage early symptoms. If you notice symptoms worsening, seek help as soon as possible, before things get unmanageable. Ask trusted friends, family or spiritual advisor to pay attention and let you know when they notice anything of concern.
- Work with your primary care or mental health provider. Communicate honestly with your provider about your symptoms so they can help you feel better.
- Be patient with yourself. Recovering from depression is a process.
- Be around others – don’t isolate yourself. Talk with people you trust.
In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to read through the well-being resources below.
Depression General Information
Know the Symptoms of Depression
Depression Affects Your Mind and Body
Depression: Tips to Help Yourself
The treatment for depression may include both medicine and psychotherapy. Medications can ease symptoms and may make it easier to do daily tasks. Therapy can offer emotional support and help you understand what might be causing depression, while guiding you in adopting healthy skills to help manage life stressors.
It's important to speak to your provider honestly about your symptoms and work with them to explore treatment options. Depression can affect anyone, and treatments are well researched and proven to be effective. People with depression can and do get better.
Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Yourself
Be prepared for a crisis. Have a plan and know who to call. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988 – You can text or call 988 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There are trained counselors available 24/7. An online chat option is also available.
Thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation) or thoughts that one would be better off dead most often occur when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is most commonly associated with suicide; however, things like intense stress, anxiety, and substance use problems can also increase risk for suicide. Reaching out and getting help is essential when you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or thoughts that you’d be better off dead. Don't isolate yourself: try to be with other people. Take part in fun activities when you can. Talk openly with people you can trust like a primary care doctor, mental health professional, trusted clergy, a friend or a family member. And accept help when it's offered. It’s important to remember that situations do CHANGE, people do get BETTER, and there is HOPE.
HELPFUL LINKS
Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Yourself (PDF)
Suicide prevention interventions and treatments (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
I'm having thoughts of suicide (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
