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bhelman3
Apr 254 min read

Checking in on your Mental Health

Have you taken time to check in on yourself lately? Many of us are so busy that we forget to stop and evaluate how we’re feeling, both physically and mentally. It’s so important to make time for self-care in your daily routine to prevent burnout. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month in between, find your happy place and focus on you.





Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. Each year, they create an easy-to-follow toolkit for This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”


It can be overwhelming to navigate the various challenges and changes happening around us in a world that is constantly evolving. Even though society is becoming more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know “Where to Start” when it comes to taking care of your well-being.


This May, Mental Health America can help you:

  • LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate the changing world we live in.

  • ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress and challenging situations.

  • ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself and others.


Taking a mental health test is one of the easiest ways to start working on your mental health. Get screened at mhascreening.org 


Check out the list below for self-care ideas:

  1. Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for today.

  2. Practice positive affirmations.

  3. Start a conversation about mental health.

  4. Get a good night’s sleep.

  5. Stay hydrated!

  6. Take a break from screens.

  7. Get outside and go for a walk.

  8. Try a guided meditation.

  9. Discover a new hobby.

  10. Spend quality time with a friend or family member.

  11. Create a “calm space” or “happy place” somewhere in your home.

  12. Take time to laugh.


Follow along to a Mental Health Month calendar HERE to focus on your mental health each day.


Don’t forget to move! Physical activity has an immediate positive impact on the brain, reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus and mood and has been shown to reduce the severity of depression and other mental illness. If you're feeling overwhelmed, sad, irritated or anxious -- move for mental health! Visit healthyfranklincounty.org/moveformentalhealth for more resources.


Another great way to practice self-care is to practice sticking to healthy habits or a certain goal. The more you practice a new behavior, the easier it gets since repetition builds pathways in your brain! Developing a new habit can take time so if you’re struggling, don’t get discouraged! Check out these tips to help you stick with healthy habits:


  • Remember your why: Think back to why you started a new habit. Keep a list of the reasons you started to inspire you.

  • Congratulate yourself: Don’t forget to acknowledge any amount of success you make towards your goal. Small rewards for yourself can go a long way!

  • Don’t overly criticize yourself: Scolding yourself isn’t positive for your mental health and doesn’t promote success. Consider what you would say to a friend instead. Think positively about yourself, because you’re pretty amazing!


Find more tips here.


Check out some of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month events below:

  • Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties’ Wellness Conference “Igniting Hope for Recovery” on Friday, May 3rd from 9:30am-3:30pm at Falling Springs Presbyterian Church. Find info and register here.

  • Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties’ Walk the Walk on Friday, May 17th at 10:30am, beginning at Chambersburg Square. Find more info and register here.  

  • SAVE THE DATE for an “Accessing Behavioral Health” virtual presentation on May 28th at 10am!

    • The Healthy Franklin County Health Disparities Task Force created a bi-monthly, community health networking and professional development virtual meeting series for individuals working in the social care coordination space. The May 28th meeting will focus on Accessing Behavioral Health resources that are FREE and will feature the following speakers/topics:

    • Jennifer Lyristis, Professional & Program Development Manager with Philhaven; My Strength Teladoc Health App

    • Alexandra Shatzer, Community Support Program Manager with Mental Health Association of Franklin County; Peer Support Programs

    • Marci Taylor, Founder of Drew Michael Taylor Foundation; Adult and Youth Grief Support Programs

    • REGISTER HERE!

If you or someone you know is feeling extremely overwhelmed, stressed, or you want to harm yourself or others, the following options are always available:  

  • Call or text 988

  • Call 9-1-1 

  • Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or TEXT TalkWithUs to 66746  

  • Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224. 

  • The Trevor Project provides support to LGBTQ individuals. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678

  • For the National Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741 

  • For the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (available 24/7), call 1-800-273-8255.  

    • For the Veterans’ Crisis Line (available 24/7), call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or TEXT 838255 


Local resources include:  

  

You can also access additional resources and Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month 2024 Toolkit here.   

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