MENTAL HEALTH & TIPS FROM RIDGEVIEW INSTITUTE
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With this in mind, Ridgeview Institute wants to promote a positive mental health environment that allows individuals to improve their overall mental health better. Here are some ways you can promote your mental health and well-being while helping your loved ones improve theirs.
- MAKE EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE A PRIORITY
Especially when you’re feeling down, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Compliment yourself when you do something well, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you fall short. Remember that mental health recovery isn’t selfish. Be sure to exercise regularly, get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and eat a healthy diet with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids (found in foods such as walnuts, wild salmon, and flaxseed) to minimize mental health symptoms such as increased anxiety, mood swings, or prolonged sadness, as these could be signs of more serious mental health disorders. - PERSONAL CONNECTIONS ARE CRUCIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
Plan a cookout or some other get-together with your family. Schedule a coffee date with a friend. When life gets overwhelming, it can be tempting to isolate ourselves, but research shows that people are up to 12 times happier after spending several hours with loved ones. You’ll reap even more benefits from quality time with friends and family if you disconnect from digital distractions while you’re with them. - FIND WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS
Dedicate Mental Health Awareness Month to finding ways to relieve stress. Take a warm bath sprinkled with Epsom salts once a week to alleviate muscle tension and boost feelings of well-being. Sunshine is an excellent source of Vitamin D, a natural mood-booster. Enjoy a nature walk on a sunny day to help you decompress. Get in touch with your creative side. Color, try your hand at cooking new recipes or set out to learn a new skill. These are just a few suggestions of ways to relieve stress or overall anxiety; you may be feeling it in your day-to-day life. - MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT TIP: SET GOALS
When you want to change something in your life, trying to take on too much can cause you to give up before you’ve had a chance to make progress. In recognition of May mental health month, set short-term, manageable goals. Tackle an easy task first to build confidence, then try a harder one. - OFFER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TO OTHERS
If someone you know seems anxious or withdrawn, offer love and support. Ask what you can do to help, and make yourself available to listen without judgment.
Ridgeway Institute provides comprehensive mental health services and support groups for adults. These group therapy sessions are free, and open to the community. Ridgeview Institute also holds meetings for alumni of our programs, who wish to continue their healing process together. If you or a loved one is in need of help, please contact us at (770) 434-4567.