Taking care of your mental health is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. Depression and other mental health concerns can affect anyone, and sometimes the signs may be difficult to recognize or be easy to overlook. Mental Health Screening Awareness Month is an important reminder to check in with yourself, recognize changes in your mood or daily life, and understand when it may be helpful to seek support. Below are some simple ways to prioritize your mental health and learn more about the importance of screening.
Know the Signs
Pay attention to changes in your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, or interest in activities you normally enjoy. Feeling sad or overwhelmed from time to time is a normal part of life, but ongoing or worsening symptoms may be a sign that additional support is needed.
Consider a Mental Health Screening
Mental health screenings are a simple way to check in on your emotional well-being and identify whether you may be experiencing symptoms of depression or another mental health concern. A screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful first step in determining whether talking with a healthcare professional may be beneficial.
Talk About How You’re Feeling
Opening up about your mental health can sometimes feel difficult, but talking with someone you trust can help you feel supported and less alone. Consider sharing your concerns with a friend, family member, healthcare provider, or mental health professional.
Pay Attention to Changes in Daily Life
Mental health concerns can affect more than just your mood. Changes in sleep, appetite, relationships, work or school performance, motivation, and daily routines can all be important signs to notice. Keeping track of these changes can help you recognize when something may need additional attention.
Prioritize Healthy Habits
Supporting your mental health can include taking care of your physical health, too. Regular movement, nutritious meals, adequate sleep, time outdoors, meaningful connections, and activities you enjoy can all contribute to overall well-being. These habits can support mental wellness but are not a replacement for professional care when it is needed.
Ask for Help When You Need It
You do not have to wait until your symptoms become severe to ask for help. If you are experiencing persistent changes in your mood, thoughts, or daily functioning, consider talking with a healthcare or mental health professional. Reaching out for support is an important step toward understanding what you are experiencing and finding the right care.
Keep in mind, taking care of your mental health is an ongoing part of taking care of yourself. Depression and other mental health concerns are common and treatable, and recognizing the signs early can make it easier to connect with appropriate support. During Mental Health Screening Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself and encourage the people you care about to do the same. Sometimes, starting a conversation or completing a screening can be the first step toward feeling better and getting the support you deserve.
Lexi Muchnick, LCSW, PMH-C
Lexi is passionate about helping individuals and their families master the regulation of their emotions and behaviors so they can thrive. This includes supporting her clients through the big and small transitions that come up in life.
When working with individuals, Lexi’s specialty areas include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment issues. Lexi supports young adults transitioning into college and adulthood, including college check-ins to monitor academic, social, and emotional growth. As a mom of two young children Lexi also works with individuals navigating perinatal mental health challenges.