How to know when to get help

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the overall wellness of how you  think, regulate your emotions, and behave. Some people experience challenges and significant disruptions in mental functioning. A mental health condition may be present when changes in thinking, feelings, and behaviors are disrupting someone’s ability to function daily. A mental health condition can affect your personal relationships, performance at school or work, and how you function in social situations.

When should you ask for help?

If you have had two or more weeks with changes to your thoughts, moods, feelings, or body that make it hard to manage school, work, home responsibilities, or relationships.

How to know if a friend or family member needs help.

If you notice changes in their behaviors such as isolation, being less talkative, missing school or work, canceling on social outings. If you notice changes in their mood such as irritability, excessive worry, or sadness that lasts for more than a week; or extreme and sudden changes in mood. If you notice changes in their mental functioning such as confusion, problems concentrating, false beliefs, or hallucinations.

International Stress Awareness week is Nov 1-Nov 7^th

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges in our lives. It is a state of mental tension caused by difficult situations. It is often triggered when we experience something new or unexpected that threatens our sense of security or when we feel we have little control over a situation.

Tips for Coping with Stress

Identify the situation causing the stress

Identify the emotion you are experiencing

Create an outlet for the emotion like listening to music, talking to a trusted friend, exercising, journaling, etc.

Do an activity that you enjoy or find pleasurable as a healthy distraction

Connect with others

Maintain physical activity and good nutrition

Practice good sleep hygiene -try to get a minimum of 6 hours nightly

Manage or reduce time on social media and news outlets

Practice Deep Breathing

Practice guided meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices