How are you taking care of your mental health? When people think about their physical health, they can come up with many specific ideas of what they can do to improve their health: drink more water, stop smoking, exercise, eat healthier foods. Time to increase awareness of what you can do to support your mental health and well-being.

First, do some quick assessment; how is your mental health? If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or some other mental health condition, are you seeking treatment? If yes, is the treatment adequate? Are you practicing what has been recommended to you? If not, is it time to contact a professional and get some help? Perhaps you’re not sure if you are anxious or depressed. If you’re wondering, at least have a professional assess further. You can at minimum start with your primary care physician who can screen as well as check your general health for things that can affect your mood and mental health.

You can look for a therapist by asking a trusted friend or family member for recommendations or use an online therapist finder tool such as Oregon Psychological Association  and Psychology Today.

Other things you can do to support your mental health include:

  1. Focus on improving your sleep
  2. Make sure you are getting adequate nutrition (the mind-body connection)
  3. Check with your doctor about what exercise you can safely do
  4. Spend time in nature
  5. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness
  6. Pursue laughter and joy
  7. Create a gratitude practice
  8. Strengthen connections to safe and healthy family, friends, and community
  9. Offer kindness and support to others

Your mind and your body are precious. Take good care of them.

Also, check out these resources for more information about Mental Health Awareness Month:

American Psychological Association

NAMI Mental Health America

Mental Health Toolkit

Anxiety and Depression

And if you need more immediate help, you can access these Local and National Help Lines:

Clackamas County Crisis Line: 503-655-8585

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press #1

LGBTQ Suicide Prevention (The Trevor Project): 1-866-488-7386 (1-866-4-U-TREVOR)