Mental Health Promotion

Being mentally well is more than just the absence of a diagnosed mental health condition. It includesour overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Our level of mental wellness impacts our ability to cope with stress, engage in meaningful activities,and build positive relationships.

The Benefits of Mental Wellness
"Being mentally well can have many good impacts on your overall physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.",

Focusing on your MENTAL WELLNESS can…

1. Reduce risk of physical health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Reduce risk of developing depression and anxiety.
3. Increase positive outlook and ability to enjoy life.
4. Increase ability to cope with stressful or difficult life events.
5. Increase creativity and openness to new experiences.
6. Improve relationships with the people in your life.
7. Increase productivity to allow you to reach your potential.
8. Enable you to make meaningful contributions to your family, community, and society.
9. Increase ability to think clearly and make healthy decisions.
10. Improve mood, self-esteem, and confidence.

Download the “10 Benefits of Mental Wellness” flyer

Download the "What is Mental Wellness"

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF CARING FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-healthhttps://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mental-health/https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

Mental health exists on a continuum from “mentally well” to “mental health crisis” and contains a whole range of emotions.

Based on a variety of factors, including biology, genetics, and circumstances, we move along the continuum in both directions as we move through life. Everyone can experience mental wellness or a mental health crisis, regardless of whether they have a diagnosed mental health condition.

Mentally Well

Being mentally well means you are thriving and experiencing no major issues.
Signs of mental wellness include:

Mentally Distress

Mental distress is common and expected discomfort in response to the stresses of everyday life.
Signs of mental wellness include:

Mental Health Problem

Mental health problems often occur as a reaction to major life changes or challenges. These feelings can be intense and may last awhile, but usually go away after enough time has passed.
Signs of a mental health problem include:

Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis refers to extreme or intense symptoms that severely impact ability to function. Symptoms may be sudden and resolve quickly or may persist for a long period of time.
Signs of a mental health problem include:

• How am I feeling today?
Take notice of your mood and how your body feels. Physical signs of mental health issues might include:

• Headaches
• Body Pains
• Skin Rashes
• Stomachaches
• Muscle Tension
• Frequent Urination
• Appetite Changes
• Weight Changes
• Changes in Energy


• What has been worrying me?
Identifying your stressors can help you address them.


• Am I taking care of my body? Do I…
• Eat healthy, regular meals?
• Drink plenty of water?
• Maintain personal hygiene?
• Move my body?
• Get enough sleep?
• Spend time outside?


• What am I doing to bring myself joy?
Examples may include:
• Creative hobbies (cooking, art, music, etc.)
• Reading books for fun
• Watching a TV show I enjoy
• Spending time with my pets
• Keeping a gratitude journal


• Who is in my corner? Do I have someone in my life who…
• Gives good advice when I ask for it?
• Is respectful and trustworthy?
• Listens to me?
• Has my best interests at heart?

To explore more mental health promotion resources for each month, check out the Mental Health Awareness Resources page.

National Institute of Mental Health

• Caring for Your Mental Health
  Learn the basics of mental health self-care.
• Your Healthiest Self
  Find tips for improving emotional, social, physical, and environmental wellness.
• I’m So Stressed Out
  Understand the difference between stress and anxiety and how to manage each.

Mental Health America

• Mental Health Screening
  Everyone experiences times of anxiety, stress, and sadness. Knowing when it’s time to seek professionalmental health assistance is important. Take a mental health screen today.
• Workplace Wellness Toolkit
  Toolkit to help support employee mental health and well-being.
• Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth
  Resources to help young people navigate the virtual world.