May is Mental Health Month

What should I eat? How can I fit exercise into my schedule? Should I

drink decaf or regular coffee? Each day, Americans face hundreds of health choices. Healthy habits —such as eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly—positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions. Unhealthy choices, on the other hand, can make a person susceptible to a range of health problems. This is particularly true for people who live with a chronic illness—whether it’s a mental disorder or a physical ailment. 

Far too many Americans fail to incorporate a principal component into their health choices: mental health. Yet overall health and wellness are not possible without it. But what is mental health? If you were to ask your office mate, spouse or neighbor, they may respond that it is a “state of mind,” “being content with life” or “feeling good about yourself.” Simply put, mental health is the ability to cope with daily life and the challenges it brings.

Mental health is a continuum, with good mental health and wellness

on one end, and severe, untreated mental illness on the other. When

a person has “good” mental health, they deal better with what comes their way. By contrast,“poor” mental health—feeling overwhelmed by stress or suffering with an untreated mental illness—can make even day-to-day life difficult. 

Poor mental health can also significantly harm a person’s physical health. For instance, research shows that stress is closely linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses. This is particularly so for parents, women and people of color, who experience higher levels of stress than many other Americans, as revealed in a recent survey from Mental Health America. 

The good news is there are many healthy choices individuals can adopt to promote and strengthen mental health—and overall health and well-being. As Americans celebrate Mental Health Month this May, Mental Health America offers the following tips to help each American manage everyday stress:

Set Manageable Goals—The more control you have over work, the less stressed you’ll feel. Be realistic about your workload and deadlines. Make a “to do”list, taking care of important tasks first and eliminating unessential ones.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle—Taking care of your body makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, get enough rest and exercise, and balance work with play.

Spend Time With Others—Family and friends are important. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while or call on a friend or relative to join you on errands or everyday activities. It will help raise your spirits and engage others in your life.

Take a Time Out—Taking time to unwind can decrease your stress levels and improve your health and relationships. Try meditating, exercising, indulging a hobby or talking with a friend. Whatever you choose to do, remember this: it’s your time, so spend it doing something you enjoy.

Ask for Help—Allow friends and family to assist with housework, child care or any activities you find stressful. If you persistently feel overwhelmed, seek help from a mental health professional. The ability to ask for help may be your greatest asset. 

To learn more ways to promote wellness in you and your loved ones during Mental Health Month or throughout the entire year, contact the Mental Health Association of New Jersey 973.571.4100 or the SBATSR Family Support Program at 908.782.7475.