Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2023 at Mathis ISD
What is mental health?
Why is mental health important?
Early Signs and Warning Signs to Be Aware of
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of yourself or getting to school
What should I do?
Each and every one of these concerns can be addressed, helped, and treated. You are not alone!
Talk to your school counselor, your parents, your teachers, a trusted adult, someone who can point you in the right direction to get exactly what you or your friend needs.
There is ALWAYS hope!
There are ALWAYS solutions!
Help is available!
What not to do....
If you have a need or concern, speak up for yourself and ask for help.
If you notice a friend who you are concerned about or you think they might need help, encourage them to talk about what's going on, and you should always report it to a trusted adult so your friend can get the help that they need!
Mental health concerns are serious concerns, and you NEVER want to keep that secret for a friend.
Practice Self-Care to Promote Positive Mental Health
Self-Care Tips
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
My Self-Care Plan
Find find what you need and enjoy.
It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you.
Although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.
What to Do in a Crisis
call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
OR
chat at 988lifeline.org
This service is confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Check out these self-help apps!
- multi-media coping skill app designed for people struggling with depression
Headspace
- Great meditation to help with anxiety or depression
Calm
- Calming meditation
I Am
- Daily Affirmations
Colorfy
- Relax and color
Breathwrk
- Breathing Techniques
Moodnotes
- Best app for journaling
Mind Shift CBT
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy App
What's Up? A Mental Health App
- Mood tracking
Youper
- Self guided therapy
AntiStress Anxiety Relief Game
- Take your mind off things....for people who fidget and love games
HarmLess
- A self-harm tracking app designed to help calm urges, track progress, and get better over time
De-stress! Try Mindfulness...
Mathis ISD Wellness Program
Summer Norman, M.Ed.
Email: snorman@mathisisd.org
Website: mathisisd.org/administration/12
Location: 602 East San Patricio Avenue, Mathis, TX, USA
Phone: 3615472381