May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s always a good time to be reminded that mental health is health. Just as it’s important to check in with yourself about your physical well-being, it’s essential to support your emotional well-being as well.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Myra Renee of Anesis Therapy talks about the resources available in Madison and how to get started prioritizing self-care.
Here are a few ways to take small, sustainable steps to ensure that you’re focused on your mental health. As they say at Journey Mental Health, which has a host of events planned for Mental Health Awareness Month, “Be kind to your mind.”
Limit Time Spent Online, Especially on Social Media
Social media can feel like a way to connect with the world around you, but it’s also a way to get a distorted perception of that world. Studies show that excessive social media use can lead to depression and anxiety, especially among young people. Consider limiting screen time, including scheduling “detox” days where you keep your phone out of sight and prioritize your real-world relationships.
Maintain a Strong Support System
Speaking of those real-world relationships, having strong social connections lead to lower levels of depression and anxiety, according to studies. That includes friends, family, and colleagues. Schedule regular meet-ups with the important people in your life, and consider branching outside your network by volunteering or joining a club.
Build Healthy Habits
It may sound almost too simple, but healthy physical habits often lead to a healthier mental outlook. That includes eating right, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. You don’t have to join a gym or embark on a regular diet – even a daily walk can improve your mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
Take Advantage of Mental Health Services
Check your health plan, or your employee benefits, to see what mental health services are already available to you. They may offer both virtual therapist visits as well as in-person visits, mental health support lines, digital self-care tools such as meditation and exercise apps, and more. UW-Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds has a great (and free!) meditation app.
Seek Professional Help If You Need It
Of course, sometimes our mental health needs go beyond these self-care suggestions. In those cases, reach out to your primary care physician, who can provide assistance and referrals to dedicated mental health professionals. In an immediate crisis, call or text the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
