This past year presented so many challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health. Fortunately, there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities.
Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental Health Month the Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT) is highlighting Mental Health America’s #Tools2Thrive – what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19.
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. MHA’s Tools 2 Thrive series provides information, tips, and practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with.
It’s important to accept the situations in life we cannot change, actively work to process the mental struggles associated with big changes, manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns, and make time to take care of yourself. Knowing when to turn to friends, family, and co-workers when struggling with life’s challenges can help improve your mental health. Seeking professional help when self-help efforts to improve your mental health aren’t working is a sign of strength, not weakness.
One way to check in with yourself is to take a mental health screen at MHAscreening.org. It’s a quick, free, and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental health problems. Living a healthy lifestyle and incorporating mental health tools to thrive may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.
Ultimately, during this month of May, the Smith County BHLT wants to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
The Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team is a collaboration of clinicians, first responders, educators, social services providers, individuals with lived experiences, and community advocates dedicated to improving access to care. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in Smith County for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
