Magellan Ascend Mind Your Mental Health - January is Mental Wellness Month

Mind Your Mental Health - January is Mental Wellness Month

Mind Your Mental Health – January is Mental Wellness Month

If you or someone you know needs help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Mental Wellness Month affirms that being mentally healthy is a vital part of our overall well-being. Just as it’s important to monitor markers of our physical health such as blood pressure or cholesterol levels, we need awareness of our emotional well-being. This can include our moods, our ability to function socially, our energy levels and our ability to respond to challenges.

Be aware. Seek help if you experience ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness; loss of energy; insomnia, early awakening or oversleeping; or restlessness and irritability.
Get support. Call your program’s toll-free number or log on to your program website to access education, tools and resources to help you learn practical ways to improve your mental health.
Care for yourself. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Refresh your psyche by walking or driving to a new place, or try a new restaurant. Express your feelings through writing, painting or drawing.
Give treatment time. If you’ve begun mental health or substance abuse treatment, stay with your treatment plan and don’t prematurely discontinue any prescribed medications.

Help is available! Visit the Mind Your Mental Health website or contact your program to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you care about.

This month, Stamp Out Stigma is taking the opportunity to bring more awareness around mental health after the new year. We will be highlighting the importance of self-care habits to try as 2020 begins, as well as share resources and tips on how spread mental health awareness to others. Throughout January, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to prioritize their mental health in the new year. Here are some important facts you should know:

1 in 5 Americans experience a mental illness.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect 10 million Americans.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
60% of people who achieve their New Year's resolutions flop once-or more-before succeeding.
Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year.
Suicide rates tend to be higher in the spring, not the winter.

Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.

Help is available! Visit www.MagellanHealthcare.com/About/MYMH or contact your program to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you care about.