Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day!
On World Mental Health Awareness Day, each of us has the opportunity to focus on one of the most important components of our overall health: Mental Health. This event represents a global commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Everyone’s journey is different, and we all have times when we feel down or stressed, and even afraid or anxious. Unfortunately, many times people feel alone and uncomfortable talking about their mental health or mental health challenges. “Mental health is just as important as good physical health,” says Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Seven Ways to champion your own mental health, courtesy of Mental Health America:
1. Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include three things you were grateful for and three things you were able to accomplish each day.
2. Work your strengths. Do something you’re good at to build confidence, then do a tougher task.
3. Show some love. Close, quality, relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
4. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy, or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
5. Go off the grid. Leave your phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
6. Practice forgiveness – even if it’s just forgiving that person who cut you off driving. People who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives.
7. Do something with friends and family – have a cookout, go to a park, or play a game. People are 12 times more likely to feel happy on days that they spend 6-7 hours with friends and family.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis?
Bio-Rad employees and others with MHN services can go here: For Members | MHN
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 para Español.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
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