Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness about how to provide support for those experiencing behavioral health challenges! Raising awareness about mental health is important because often we, as family and community members, do not realize what others may be going through. We all must come together to reduce the stigma around living with mental illness.

According to the CDC, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. While mental illness is a national issue, Native/Indigenous people in America report experiencing serious psychological distress 2.5 times more than the general population.(1) Our mental health can suffer when we have consistent stress in our lives over a prolonged period of time. Learning how to cope through different practices is key to keeping a healthy mindset. Below, we have listed five habits you can cultivate to reduce stress. However, if you find yourself needing additional support for your mental health, please contact Dr. Aste at the Behavioral Health Program by calling 575-834 -7258.

Five Tips For Supporting Mental Health

1. Exercise More:

Exercise and staying active is an evidence-based practice that helps to decrease stress. Walking, running, gardening, and aerobic exercises are typical activities to help regulate the mood. The CDC recommends staying active for a minimum of 150 minutes per week to reduce stress.

2. Healthy Diet:

A healthy diet is another way to help relieve stress. Eating nutritious food and drinking water has proven to reduce stress. Click here https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen to find a healthy recipe and cook with your family to connect, destress, and enjoy a meal.

3. Minimize Phone/Screen Time Use:

Staying off screens like TV, Phones, Computers, and Tablets are also a solid way to mitigate stress levels. According to the CDC, healthcare professionals recommend no more than 2 hours of screen time per day. Excessive smartphone use is associated with difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, impaired cognitive function, addiction to social networking, shyness, and low self-esteem.

4. Practice Self Care:

Taking good care of yourself helps to elevate your mood, makes you feel refreshed, and can steer you away from stress. Small acts of self-kindness can make a big impact on one’s well-being which include taking a bath, practicing a hobby, lighting candles, and reading a book. Take time for yourself!

5. Spend time with friends and family:

Spending time with friends and family may help you to reduce stress through connection and support. The next time you feel life's struggles, go out for a walk in nature, sit at a table and talk with a friend, or spend time with a loved animal. You can do these activities to relieve life's burdens in a healthy way.

We hope you enjoyed reading about different ways that may help you cope with stress. Stress is not curable, nor is it avoidable. It is a part of everyday life. If you are interested in more resources to support your mental health, join us Friday, May 26th, 2023, from 4:30 pm -7:30 pm at the Behavioral Health Building for an Art Walk. During this event, community members will learn about the benefits of Art Therapy. Details are in the flyer below. Reduce the stigma around mental health by encouraging family and friends to attend this important event!

[1] https://www.mhanational.org/issues/native-and-indigenous-communities-and-mental-health