10 Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health

10 Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health:

1. Value Yourself. Whatever this means to you. Replace self-criticism with self-encouragement. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, focus on what you've learned from them and let it go.
2. Take care of your body. Eat well, don't deprive yourself or overindulge. Connect your physical need and exercise. Thirty minutes a day of exercise has a positive impact on mood. Prioritize sleep. If any of the above is a challenge for you, seek support.
   
3. Surround yourself with good people. Sometimes we need to re-evaluate our most personal connections and relationships. This is critical. Don’t be afraid to make a change for your own well-being. 
4. Give and receive to yourself and others, unapologetically. Volunteering locally can make a direct impact on your community or globally. Helping others in need can bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
5. Set realistic goals. Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, write it down and put your energy toward it. Goals can be for today, this week, this month, etc. 
6. Learn new ways to manage stress. Let’s face it, stress is a part of life. Practice, strengthen and develop tools to effectively manage stress.
7. Do something different. Walk a different direction. Take a different route. Call someone you usually text. 
8. Avoid substances. Limit or avoid use of alcohol and other substances. Find other ways to let go, to address discomfort in a healthy way.
9. Quiet your mind. Meditation, mindfulness, and prayer are powerful practices that can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
10. Get help when you need it. Students and employees have different options for care, but both have access.

"The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is one that I hope is integrated not just once a year on one singular day, but throughout each day in some small or large way," said  Hershkowitz. "There is intentional attention, focus, and recognition that mental health is critical to our overall health and well-being. Another effort during this time is to mobilize collective resources for mental health and to become educated on what local and national resources are available for yourself, and those around you who may be in pain, and need support."  

"According to the World Health Organization, it is important to work collaboratively to improve mental health by 'investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.' There are many ways you can make an impact, small and large. For example, last year at New York Medical College and Touro College of Dental Medicine, we initiated a Wellness Ambassador program, with an initial group of 15 students. This year, that interest has expanded to an additional 27 students who are dedicated to supporting peers, creating and engaging in well-being programs and initiatives, and working closely with our office to support a healthy environment. I ask you to consider how you might invest in your mental health this year, as well as in our community."

Important National Resources:

• The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States.
• Crisis Text Line-Text any message to: 741-741
• Domestic Violence: 1(800) 621-4673
• Victims of a Crime Call: 1(800) 689-4357
• If you have been Sexually Assaulted call: 1(800) 942-6906
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  
• American Foundation on Suicide Prevention
• National Alliance on Mental Health

NYMC/TCDM Student Specific Resources:

• Health Advocate-NYMC Support line (24/7): 1(855) 384-1800  
• Schedule with an NYMC clinician: SMHW@nymc.edu  
• Schedule with a Teladoc Clinician: Teladoc.com