2020 has felt like one long season of Survivor, with unexpected challenges at every turn. We’ve juggled a pandemic lockdown, working remote, and virtual schooling for our kids.
We need a ‘Time Out!’
While we can’t completely eliminate the stress caused by the world around us, we can reduce it.
By thoughtfully controlling what we can in our home and work environments each day, we create a path toward mental wellness.
- Plan your day and prioritize your tasks. Before beginning to panic about the long list of things you want to get done, set realistic goals for the day and deadlines for when you want the tasks completed. Don’t rush and always have a backup plan in case you run into a speed bump along the way.
- Focus on things you can control. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones instead of trying to tackle a large project all at once.
- Take steps slowly. Before acting, think about the end result that you desire so you don’t have to backtrack later.
- Use all available resources. Seek out resources to help you get things done—such as your spouse, a knowledgeable relative, a trustworthy friend or a reliable co-worker.
- Take short breaks. When you start to feel anxious, take a break. Have a glass of water, get some fresh air or read a quick chapter of a book. This will get your mind off the task for a few moments and allow you to feel a bit more refreshed.
Mental Health is always important, but during National Suicide Prevention Month, we focus our efforts on raising awareness and directing treatment to those who need it most.
We can all help prevent suicide. Here are some ways you can promote healing and give hope.
- Ask. Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it’s important to show you care. Research shows that talking to a suicidal person about your concerns, or even just asking how they’re doing, gives them the chance to express their feelings and vent pent-up negative emotions. The conversation you start can provide relief from loneliness and may even prevent a suicide attempt.
- Be There. Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
- Keep Them Safe. A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
- Help Them Stay Connected. Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
- Follow Up. Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
- Learn More. Get message kits, resources, events and more at the official website.
