Here is a short practical guide to help you understand what mental health is and how you can take care of yours.
What is Mental Health?
- Mental health is about how you think, feel, and handle life. It affects how you deal with stress, make choices, and connect with others.
- Your mental health can change based on what’s happening in your life, but you can take steps to protect it.
How to Protect Your Mental Health
- Talk About It. Keeping feelings inside can make things worse. Find someone you trust to talk to.
- Find Healthy Outlets. Writing, music, art, exercise, or deep breathing can help manage stress.
- Pay Attention to Your Circle. Some people lift you up; others bring you down. Stick with those who support you.
- Take Care of Your Body. Sleep, food, and movement all affect how you feel. Take small steps to take care of yourself.
- Set Boundaries. If something or someone makes you feel bad, it’s okay to say no or walk away.
- Practice Positive Self-Talk. Replace negative thoughts like “I can’t” with “I will try.”
What Can Hurt Your Mental Health?
- Unhealthy Relationships. Friends or family who pressure or put you down can hurt your mental well-being.
- Bottling Up Emotions. Pushing feelings down can lead to anger or sadness coming out in unhealthy ways.
- Negative Influences. Constant violence, negativity, or social media pressure can be overwhelming.
- Feeling Like There’s No Hope. Hard times don’t last forever. Even when things feel bad, there is always a way forward.
Remember: You Have Control Over Your Mental Health. Making small, positive choices can help you feel stronger, even in tough situations.
Take Control of Your Mental Health with This Activity
- Feelings Check-In: What’s one word that describes how you feel today?
- Safe Space List: Write down three people or places where you feel safe and supported.
- Positive Actions: Name one thing that makes you feel better when you’re stressed or upset.
- Boundaries Practice: Think of a time someone treated you unfairly. How could you set a boundary next time?
- Self-Talk Shift: Write down a negative thought you’ve had. Now rewrite it in a more positive way.
- Future Focus: What is one small step you can take this week to improve your mental health?
Holistic Mental Health: Taking Care of the Whole You
What is a Holistic Approach?
A holistic approach means looking at all the parts of you—your thoughts, body, emotions, spirit, and environment. It’s about understanding that everything is connected. If one part is hurting, the others can hurt too. But small changes in each area can help you feel more in control.
Holistic Actions You Can Try
Mind: Try journaling, deep breathing, or positive affirmations. Body: Do some stretching, drink water, or get sleep when you can. Emotions: Talk to someone, draw, or express your feelings in safe ways. Spirit: Say something you’re thankful for or take quiet time to reflect. Environment: Clean up a small space, listen to calming music, or take a break from social media.
Reflection Prompts:
- What is one thing you did today that helped your mind feel calmer?
- What does your body need more of right now—sleep, food, movement?
- Who do you feel safest talking to when you’re upset?
- What’s one place that helps you feel more peaceful?
- What’s a small goal you can set to care for your spirit this week?
- What music, space, or habit makes you feel more positive?
These are some things to think about, but get creative with this. Write about your thoughts in a journal, write a poem, or make a collage that answers these prompts. This is your journey and the more you understand it the better the journey will be. Slow down and take time to explore your mind, your spirit, and your life.
You Are Strong. You Are Worthy. You Have Hope.