Overcoming Mental Health Hurdles

Each year millions of Americans face living with a mental illness. Well-being is not a standard-define term, but there is general agreement that at minimum, well-being includes the presence of positive emotions and moods like contentment and happiness, the absence of negative emotions like depression and anxiety, satisfaction with life, and positive functioning. To simplify, well-being is about judging life positively and feeling good. Well-being can be measured by looking at observable factors like employment and factors that are subjective to the person experiencing them, like how safe we feel.

If you or a loved one has feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression, you are not alone. Many people face emotional struggles and may need help to cope. How you feel matters and the way you learn to cope matters too.

This month is about learning and spreading awareness, and here’s how you can help:

Talk with people you know. You may find that a lot of people can relate to what you are experiencing.
Be open about your own experiences. Let others know that they are not alone!
Encourage positive conversations surrounding mental health. Help stop the spread of misinformation and stigmas!
Use social media to spread the word. Information travels fast, spreading positive information about mental health can lead to larger interest!
Educate yourself on mental health. It is easy to misunderstand mental illnesses, take the time to educate yourself, and encourage others to do the same.

As you raise awareness, here are some tips for taking care of yourself and your mental health:

Prioritize a healthy diet. Your gut health has a major impact on other parts of your body. It is important to make sure you are eating enough and eating well.
Prioritize healthy sleeping patterns. Better Sleep Month is also in May. And although these topics are important on their own it is important to note that they go hand and hand! Restful sleep is known to help with mood, concentration, and memory during waking hours. It is important to make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep!
Discover what you enjoy and make time for it. Whether it be hobbies or simple self-care, it is important that we make time for the things we love.

We encourage everyone to reach out to their medical provider for additional help. However, if you believe you need help right away — for yourself or a loved one — call 911 or use the emergency numbers below:

Here at Synectics, the mental health and wellbeing of our employees are our top priority. That’s why, through our health care provider, we provide them with tools and resources to help with mental illness and well-being.

To learn more about what Synectics is doing to help, visit our website for information on our stellar benefits and health programs.