Sometimes we talk about mental and physical health as if they are separate. The truth is, they’re not just related, they’re connected. Mental health is health, and it takes the mind and body working together to create overall well-being. The good news? Small lifestyle changes can make a difference, and even a small step can help you get started on a path to wellness.
Imyn can. We can.
“You are in charge of your body,” says Imyn. “When I eat well, I notice a big difference. My son motivated me to get into Taekwondo. I believe my experience has helped him a lot through mental health.”
Take 5: Mind + Body Connection video series
Our experts share how our mind and body affect each other and offer practical lifestyle guidance, sharing small steps that can get you on a path to improving your well-being. Like Imyn, We can.
Mind
Sleep
Nutrition
Movement
Build a healthy lifestyle
Working to improve your lifestyle can help you increase energy, reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce your risk of illness, and overall just help you feel better.
Mental and physical health tips
Tips for children
Building habits together with your children will have a lifetime of positive impact.
Tips for teens
Teen years are critical formative years to build connection of physical health and mental strength and improve chances of coping long term.
Tips for LGBTQIA+
Many LGBTQIA+ identified persons deal with anxiety & depression at some point. It's important to pay attention to physical and mental health habits.
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Checking in on mental health
The following talking points can help you start a conversation with someone that may need some help or a listening ear. It’s also a great resource if you want to talk with someone but aren’t sure where to begin..
Knowledge is power.
We all experience mental health challenges from time to time. Each of us has a different story, unique feelings and personal experiences. Understanding mental health is the first step towards improving it, for yourself and for those you care about.
Understanding mental health conditions
What it is
Depression is a disorder that affects the whole body, including our emotions, the way we think and the way we feel physically. Depression can occur alone or with other health problems and/or mental disorders such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hormonal dysregulation, substance abuse or anxiety disorders.
Signs and symptoms
Depression may show up in a number of different ways, both emotionally and physically. You might experience some or all of these symptoms:
- A persistent feeling of sadness or down/low mood
- A deep sense of disinterest, especially a loss of interest in activities, experiences and people you formerly enjoyed
- Difficulty eating, sleeping, working and proceeding with your day as you normally would
You may also experience:
- Appetite and/or weight fluctuations
- Irritability
- Feelings of misplaced or inappropriate guilt
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Chronic pain that doesn’t get better with treatment
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What to do
If you think you may be suffering from depression and wish to seek help, start by talking to your primary care provider. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and condition, connect you with resources as needed and if appropriate, prescribe medication.
What it is
The most common anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If your anxiety seems more intense than what a situation calls for, or you experience chronic, daily worry that is hard to control, you may have GAD.
Signs and symptoms
GAD can manifest in a variety of ways. You may experience some or all of these signs and symptoms, and more:
- Trouble falling and staying asleep and/or extreme fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches, stomachaches or muscle aches
- Feeling irritable, restless or on-edge
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
What to do
GAD is just one of several diagnosable anxiety disorders including: panic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder; postpartum anxiety and depression; and phobias. If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder and wish to seek help, start by talking to your primary care provider. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and condition, connect you with resources as needed and prescribe medication if appropriate.
What it is
Suicidal behavior includes having frequent thoughts about and/or planning to end one’s own life. Suicide attempts should be taken very seriously. Nearly half of suicidal attempts do not end in suicide, however those with a history of attempts are 23 times more likely to end their own lives. Over 700,000 people die from suicide every year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10- to 29-year-olds.
Signs and symptoms
There are various warning signs of suicide that may include:
Talking about:
- Wanting to die
- Great guilt or shame
- Being a burden to others
Feeling:
- Empty, hopeless, trapped or having no reason to live
- Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated or full of rage
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
- Planning or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends, saying good bye, giving away important items or making a will
- Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
- Using drugs or alcohol more often
What to do
People who receive ongoing support from friends and family, and/or those who have access to trusted mental health services like a long-term therapist are less likely to act on their suicidal impulses. Those who are socially isolated are more likely to act.
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs and seems suicidal, here’s how you can help.
Do:
- Be direct, and talk openly and matter-of-fact about suicide.
- Be willing to listen and reserve judgement.
- Allow expressions of feelings, and accept those feelings.
- Be available by showing interest and offering support.
- Take action and remove means, like weapons or pills.
Don’t:
- Act shocked or dare the person to do it.
- Debate whether suicide is right or wrong, whether feelings are good or bad, or lecture on the value of life.
- Be sworn to secrecy. Seek help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
- Text with a trained counselor at the Crisis Text Line. Text "TALK" to 741741. Help is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK or 988
- Visit Lifeline Chat
- Call 911 for emergencies