 |
what is mental illness? | |
|
symptoms | |
| adults | ||
| children | ||
| seniors | ||
| caregivers | ||
|
facts & myths | |
|
||
|
resource links |
Take care of yourself.
Get plenty of rest, eat right, exercise and see a doctor regularly. Keep your mind active and exercised through learning new things, reading and interacting with others regularly.
Know when to reach out for help.
Ask for help when life seems overwhelming or difficult. This is a quality of a mentally healthy person. Identify someone you would go to for help in the future.
Practice stress management strategies.
Identify what soothes and comforts you. Learn relaxation techniques and interact with supportive friends and family members.
Spend time with at least one friend with whom you can confide.
Obtain social support, care and concern from others. Love is an energizing and growth-producing force that is beneficial to your mental and physical health.
Nurture your soul.
Take time for spiritual practice, prayerful
reflection, meditation or
serene solitude.
This can really help you cope with life's
challenges.
It's also important to learn how
to forget the hurts, forgive the
wrongs and
let go of elements of your past.
Participate in a regular activity that's
fun, relaxing or creative.
Take time to play, laugh and participate in
creative activities. These
can enhance your
ability to enjoy life and maintain a playful attitude.
Identify and celebrate your successes.
Acknowledge and affirm your successes. It's
beneficial to name (or even
list) the positive
elements and people in your life.
"We envision a future when everyone with a mental illness will recover, a future when mental illnesses can be prevented or cured, a future when mental illnesses are detected early, and a future when everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and supports— essentials for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community."
Vision Statement, The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003
|