Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Stress and Coping Resources

Many of us face challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

• Take care of your body.
  > Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
  > Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
  > Be physically active
  > Get plenty of sleep
  > Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink in moderation (2 drinks or less in a day for men; 1 drink or less in a day for women)
  > Avoid misusing prescription opioids and avoid using illicit opioids. Also avoid mixing these with one another, or with any other drugs.
  > Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. People can and do quit smoking for good.
  > Continue with routine preventive measures including vaccinations, cancer screenings, and other tests recommended by a healthcare provider.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about adverse events constantly can be upsetting.
• Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

Click here for some healthy ways to cope with stress. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/index.htm

Employee Assistance is Here for You

Also, don't forget to utilize our Employee Assistance (EA) from Cigna. It is a completely confidential service and provided at no cost to you. It is a good resource for you and your family members to talk with an expert and receive counseling as well as legal and financial assistance. Cigna offers access to their personal advocates who can direct you on where to find a local clinician in your area or you can go online to myCigna.com (employer ID: mohawk).