Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care is an important part of your mental health. When you take care of yourself, your physical and emotional health improve; you become more resilient and can find ways to manage stress in a healthy and positive way. Here are a few tips from the National Institute of Mental Health on what you can do to get started on your self-care journey.

• Get regular exercise
• Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated
• Make sleep a priority
• Try a relaxing activity
• Practice gratitude
• Stay connected to friends and family

Visit our webpages for more information and resources on the following mental health disorders:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Eating Disorders

• Substance Use/ Vaping

• Suicide Prevention

Stigma is when someone has a negative view of another because of a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be a disadvantage in some way (a negative stereotype). False beliefs about mental illness can cause problems. It is important to normalize conversations surrounding mental health so people can feel empowered to seek the help they need.

Click HERE for some valuable resources and tips on how to break the stigma and talk about mental health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SMHSA).

ARTICLE: How Respectful Dialogue Can Reduce Mental Health Stigma