Mental
Transforming U: Mental
Transforming U: Mental: Mental Health
“Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems—and over a lifetime most of us will. This year alone, about one in five of us will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Yet, despite how common mental health problems are, many of us make no effort to improve our situation.
We ignore the emotional messages that tell us something is wrong and try toughing it out by distracting ourselves or self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or self-destructive behaviors. We bottle up our problems in the hope that others won’t notice. We hope that our situation will eventually improve on its own. Or we simply give up.”
Tips for Optimum Mental Health:
- Make social connection a priority
- Stay active: it’s as good for the brain as it is the body
- Learn how to keep your stress levels in check
- Eat a brain-healthy diet to support mental health
- Don’t skimp on sleep
- Find purpose and meaning in life
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
Resources:
Suicide Prevention
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Understanding Anxiety
- DJJ Lunch and Learn: Navigating Grief (Video)
- Understanding Anxiety and Depression is the First Step
- Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Understanding Depression
Understanding PTSD
- Make the Connection: PTSD
- Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment
- What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Article Reference:
Robinson, Lawrence, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., Robert Segal, M.A., and Melinda Smith, M.A. (2020, October). Building Better Mental Health, Help Guide. Retrieved on 2021, May 17 from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm
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Transforming U: Mental: Self Care
“We all experience disappointment, loss, and change. And while a normal part of life, these emotions and experiences still cause sadness, anxiety, and stress. But just as physically healthy people are better able to bounce back from illness or injury; people with strong mental health are better able to bounce back from adversity, trauma, and stress. This skill is called resilience. People who are emotionally and mentally resilient have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. They remain focused, flexible, and productive, in bad times as well as good.”
Tips for Optimum Mental Resilience:
- Practice self-care and make yourself a priority
- Disconnect from electronics and social media
- Engage in activities that provide meaning
- Volunteer
- Engage in meditation and/or mindfulness
- Avoid heavy substance use
- Get help from a licensed mental health professional when and if you need it. Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness
Resources:
Tips for Self-Care
- Taking Good Care of Yourself
- Self Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself
- Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits
Work-life balance resources
Resiliency
Article Reference:
Borenstein, Jeffrey M.D. (2019, September 17). Everyday Mental Health Tips, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Retrieved on 2021, May 17 from https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/everyday-mental-health-tips