January is Mental Health Month, which highlights the importance of integrating mental, emotional, and physical health to improve overall health and wellness.
Psychological wellness is an important factor when making difficult choices, dealing with stress, and dealing with others.
“Mental wellness includes the ability to deal effectively with life’s difficulties, being aware of your abilities and opportunities, and establishing healthy relationships with yourself and others,” said Sherry Dawson, MD, director of the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health. Health and Human Services.
“Mental health has an impact on every area of life,” Dawson added. “The importance of good mental health ripples through everything we do, think or say. The key to mental health is to be proactive and take care of our mental health before problems arise. By focusing on improving mental health and building resilience, you can overcome life’s obstacles and thrive.”
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Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Maintaining positive mental health is essential to increasing productivity, enhancing self-image, improving relationships, and improving general well-being. Mental health is affected by a variety of factors such as work, school, relationships, financial problems, life experiences, physical health conditions, and excessive stress.
Mental wellness tips
Create a mental health wellness plan:
- Create a guide to coping skills, people to talk to in stressful situations, and fun activities to ensure you maintain a good balance.
- Self-care is not selfish. It is important to take time each day for yourself and your mental health. Get involved in something that is meaningful and brings you joy. Do what helps you relax and recharge, and find experiences that have a calming effect.
- Creative hobbies can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Go for a walk, ride a bike, take a fitness class, or play sports with friends and family.
- Expressing gratitude every day can evoke feelings of gratitude and optimism that make managing challenges easier. Don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake – everyone makes it.
- A balanced diet contributes to physical and mental health.
- Most health authorities recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each day. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.
- Notice with intent the things you do. Draw your awareness for a moment—especially the positive one.
Ask for help when you need it:
- It’s a sign of strength to access resources and support when your mental wellness is struggling.
Spreading awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness can change the stigma behind how people think about, deal with, and define mental health issues in our society. Having difficult conversations leads to solutions, and asking for help is a sign of strength. Spreading awareness of mental health builds a foundation that respects and values the importance of mental health and wellness.
Help is available
If you or a loved one needs help, contact:
- a lifeline for suicide and crises; Call, text or chat 988.
- Your religious leader, your healthcare professional or the student health center on campus.
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any Question, Any Time – 888-866-8660.
- Rural Response Hotline, 1-800-464-0258.
- Disaster Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.