World Mental Health Day

“People all over the world have been impacted by our mental health crisis,” said Dr. Rebecca Brendel, president of the American Psychiatric Association. In fact, some 280 million people struggle with it around the world.

“On this World Mental Health Day, it’s a great opportunity to check in with ourselves about our own mental wellness and to know that it’s OK to ask for support or help if we are struggling.”

Here are some quick strategies to manage your stress that you can do anywhere at anytime:

1: Guided imagery. Literally going to your happy place in your mind…like a little mental vacation.

2: Mediate. Be mindful of being in the moment. Simply pay attention to what you see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

3: Progressive muscle relaxation.  Start with a few deep breaths then practice tightening and relaxing each muscle group, starting with your forehead and moving down to your toes.  With practice, you’ll learn to recognize tension and tightness in your muscles and you’ll be able to relax more easily.

4: Breathing. Breathing techniques can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes.

5: Take a walk. Getting that breath of fresh air can do you a world on instant good.

6: Get a hug!!  Nothing makes everything significantly smaller than hugging a loved one…or furry loved one!

7: Aromatherapy. Candles, diffusers, body lotions…any aromas that you love. Research suggests certain scents can alter brain wave activity and decrease stress hormones in the body.

8: Reach out and talk to someone you trust…or get professional help.  Here is a list of local resources you can reach out for help!

For Hoosiers in crisis,  The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration created the Be Well Crisis Helpline. Simply call 211 to be connected to a mental health professional.