Mental Health Minute - May 2024

MAY 2024 MENTAL HEALTH MINUTE Mental Health Minute Mental Health In America Spring Cleaning Your Mindset and How to Get Help Spring isn't just for tidying up your closet; it's also More than half of adults in the United States will perfect for refreshing your mind. Regular self-check-ins experience mental illness—which refers to a variety of can reduce stress and promote a sense of control. Here conditions that affect one’s mood, behavior, feelings are some tips to freshen up your routine and nurture a or thinking—at some point in their life. Mental healthy mindset this spring: illnesses can occur occasionally, while others are • Declutter your space. Clearing clutter can reduce chronic. stress and boost mood by refreshing your Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every environment. May, is a time to raise awareness about mental • Let go of negative thinking patterns. Letting go of health, break the stigma and support people with negative thoughts or beliefs can help make space mental illness. Access to mental health care is crucial for healthier ideas & behaviors. to helping many individuals receive the support • Practice gratitude. To improve your perspective, be necessary for treatment and recovery. However, intentional about choosing positivity. Start a roughly half of adults with mental illness in the United gratitude journal or meditate to foster a positive States don’t receive the treatment they need. outlook. Common barriers include the high costs of and • Make time for hobbies. Just like you’d honor a difficulty accessing mental health care, mental health work meeting or personal appointment, participate professional shortages, and the stigma associated in activities and hobbies that fulfill you & bring joy. with mental health. • Spend time outdoors. Spring is perfect for Each condition has its own symptoms, but here are reconnecting with nature. Try walking, enjoying your some common signs of mental illness: drink outdoors, or moving your workout outside. • Excessive fears and worries • Connect with others. As winter ends, seize the • Prolonged sadness or irritability opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and have • Difficulty concentrating meaningful conversations. • Changes in eating habits or weight Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth, so use • Changes in sleeping habits or energy this seasonal change to reset your mind and commit to • Growing inability to cope with daily life healthy practices and behaviors. Determine where your • Social withdrawal mental energy is best spent this season, prioritizing • Substance misuse what matters most. • Suicidal thoughts If you're worried, speak to your doctor who can connect you with a mental health expert. Your insurance company can also give you a list of covered providers. If there's a crisis, reach out to 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support. 250 West 96th Street, Suite 350 Office: Indianapolis, IN 46220 Population Health: LHDbenefits.com [email protected]