Mental Health

Mental Health is Vital

In the 21st Century, more and more people struggle with their mental health. Our society distances us from others at the same time it connects us, our constant "go go go" mindset adds stress, and all of that's BEFORE the hardships life throws at us.

Unfortunately, this is a complex issue that doctors and psychologists are still trying to understand fully. There's no one 'blood test' to say you have one diagnosis or another.

So what's "Anxiety," and what's "Depression"?

There are many ways of looking at this. One useful way is a lack of 'grounding' in the present.

• When someone has depression, they can be too focused on the past. "What could have happened," "If only this were different," "What's the point of today when yesterday went so poorly?"

• When someone has anxiety, they can be too focused on the future. "What if this happens?" "If that happens, will I be prepared?" "What will they think if I do this?"

What Can I Do to Help Myself?

MoodGym is an online Australian workbook that can help you to process thoughts of Anxiety and Depression

You can also try exercise, or try relaxation exercises like the one below.

Apps, Links, and Electronic Resources

Videos:

• Dr. Kelly McGonagal's TED Talk: How to Make Stress Your Friend - 15 Minutes

• Why Mindfulness is a Superpower - 3 Minutes

• Don't Try to Be Mindful - 12 Minutes

• Measuring Mindfulness - 7 Minutes

• How to Defeat Negative Thinking - 2.5 Minutes

• Brene Brown's On Empathy - 3 Minutes

• The Last Lecture - 1 Hour, 15 Minutes (Long, but inspirational on acknowledging and achieving dreams and aspirations)

Apps:

• Self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & coaching plans for multiple conditions, through the Department of Defense & the VA:

  • Move! Coach; Pain Coach; ACT Coach; COVID Coach; CPT Coach; CBT-i Coach; Insomnia Coach; Mindfulness Coach; Mood Coach; PE Coach

• Bloom: Better You (Guided Meditations)

• Calm - Meditate, Sleep, Relax

  • (Subscription-based)

• Headspace (Guided Meditations for anyone

  • (Subscription-based, but offers discounts for healthcare providers, military members, and first responders)

• WorryTree: Anxiety Relief & CBT Diary

Feeling Like Hurting Yourself?

Know that you're not alone. You can call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255, this website in the US, or this website in the UK.