May is Mental Health Month

Life in the modern world is characterized by many simultaneous demands that include family, friends, career and various other responsibilities. The economic climate has placed additional pressures upon the current work and family demands that individuals ordinarily face. According to Mental Health America, 58 million Americans reported struggling at the end of the year 2008. This finding represents an increase by more than 22 million Americans who were struggling earlier in the year. Regardless of the stress in people's lives, there are many tools individuals can utilize to buffer the effects of stress and cope with multitude of challenges that individuals face. The theme for Mental Health Month 2009 is, "Live Your Life Well." Researchers have identified 10 research-validated tools to combat stress and promote health and well-being.

1. Utilize your friendships. Research indicates that utilizing our social support network increases our happiness which improves our health and longevity.
2. Be optimistic. Staying positive fosters health. Practicing gratitude can assist anyone during challenging times.
3. Stay physically active. Maintaining a healthy activity level can prevent onset of illness, manage any physical conditions one may have, improve sleep, increase energy, balance our mental and emotional lives, boost your immunity and sustain your health!
4. Be pro-social. Helping others increases our happiness, self-worth and decreases levels of stress.
5. Get proper sleep. Often when individuals are stressed they lack enough sleep. Sleep affords many health benefits that include mental and emotional stability, it helps with learning and memory and it strengths our immune system.
6. Be joyful. Maintain a sense of gratitude and laugh often. Laughter is a great remedy for life's challenges and has many health benefits. Positive emotions creates health within the mind and body.
7. Eat well. Eat foods that will sustain your overall health. The foods you consume affect your mood and energy. Healthy foods fight disease and provide fuel to your brain.
8. Nurture your spirit. Spirituality can be understood as connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy. You can find it in God, yourself, other people, nature, love or kindness. Maintaining a sense of spirituality affords good mental health, a reduction in stress, gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, helps understand suffering and reminds one of what is positive in life.
9. Constructive coping. Utilize constructive coping strategies that are going to enhance mental, emotional and physical health. Coping tools can include writing, walking, exercising, talking to a trusted friend or professional.
10. Get professional help when needed. If you find that your stress levels are impairing your level of functioning at home, work, school or relationally you can benefit from professional help. If you find that your stress levels are overwhelming you mentally, emotionally or physically you can benefit from professional assistance. Professionals are trained to assist you in building your self-confidence, solving your problems and attain your goals.

For further assistance, please email Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com.