Ways to Take Action and Improve Your Mental Health

By Brina Tiemeyer, LMSW, CAADC-DP Director of Clinical Services at Wedgwood Christian Services

This May, Wedgwood Christian Services comes together with Kent District Library to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is about bringing awareness, offering vital resources and education, combating stigma and advocating for mental health and the well-being of everyone.

One in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. In fact, about half of our community will meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis sometime in their lives with symptoms starting by age 14 for most individuals. While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health in recent years, it can still be hard to know where to start when it comes to taking care of your own well-being. There are so many ways to take action to improve your mental health:

Educate yourself and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources.

Seek help if you are struggling with your mental health and encourage others to do the same.

Support organizations such as Wedgwood Christian Services and KDL that provide mental health resources and advocacy.

Create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health.

As we know, change is hard but it's also unavoidable in life, much like stress. It is important for all to find self-care strategies that can help you process life changes and challenges while prioritizing your mental well-being and accepting the situations in life that you cannot control. Start building your toolkit using Wedgwood Christian Services resources:
· 5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
· Reasons to Invest in Your Mental Health
· Redefining Self-Care & How to Implement

To learn more about the topic of mental health, as well as resources to talk to children about mental health, please check out these items from Kent District Library.

Books for Kids

· Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia

· Yoga Bug by Sarah Jane Hinder

· Angry Octopus by Lori Lite

· Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MaClean

· I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright

Books for Adults

· The Self-Healing Mind by Gregory Scott Brown

· The Feeling Good Handbook by David D Burns

· The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel VanderKolk

· Hope and Help for Your Nerves: End Anxiety Now by Dr. Claire Weekes

· Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

· Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

· Emotional First Aid by Guy Winch

· The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron

· Loving Bravely by Alexandra H. Solomon

· 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Remember it is never too soon to seek treatment for your mental health. Getting help early saves lives.

For more information on Wedgwood Christian Services and how you can connect with professionals regarding your own mental health or someone you love, please visit wedgwood.org.