Prioritizing mental health is not selfish

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness and acceptance of mental health. It is also a time to focus on your emotional, psychological and social well-being. Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness – it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life.

“Prioritizing our mental health is of utmost importance. It shapes how we engage with the world – our community, family, and work. We can only be present for others when we are able to care for ourselves,” said Ann Teng, DO, MPH, chief wellness officer at UHS. 

A great way to prioritize your mental health is by practicing self-care. Taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can make a big difference. Take care of yourself with these self-care tips:

• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can 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. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol — for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
• Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you are 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 listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
• 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 are taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for in your life. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
• Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

We each have a unique set of health needs, so self-care can look and feel different for everyone. It is important to find what you need and enjoy. Sometimes, it may take trying a few things to find out what works best for you.

“Transforming all our habits overnight isn't feasible. Consider simple practices, such as expressing gratitude at the end of each day or stepping outside your door to greet someone you wouldn't ordinarily meet. These seemingly minor actions can foster meaningful connections and contribute to our well-being,” said Dr. Teng.

If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t be ashamed to seek help from mental health programs. At UHS, we take mental health treatment seriously. Our programs at UHS Outpatient Mental Health Clinic are specially designed to meet the emotional and psychological needs of adults (18 and older) with mental health concerns or issues. We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible and provide them with a confidential, supportive environment to ensure quality care.

“It’s important for individuals to reach out, as they are not alone. Our mental health clinic offers an array of services, including peer-based services where you can get support from someone who has lived with a mental health condition and found hope and recovery,” said Tina VanNoy, LCSW-R, associate director of Behavioral Health at UHS.

Our dedicated professionals provide a caring, supportive environment that will help you achieve optimal well-being. You can count on us for the understanding, compassionate and up-to-date clinical knowledge that will help give you the tools you need to cope successfully with your mental health issues.

Ms. VanNoy said, “The more we can work to reduce the stigma, improve access to care, and celebrate and appreciate those dedicating their careers to working in this aspect of healthcare, the more we can help those suffering.”    

Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not selfish; it’s important to take time to do things for your well-being to refresh and recharge so you can feel and be at your best. For some people, prioritizing your mental health might mean seeking professional help, and that is okay. Taking care of yourself first is necessary to be able to take care of others and lead a fulfilling and positive life.

The UHS Outpatient Mental Health Clinic is conveniently located on the South Side of Binghamton in the Summit Building, Lower Level, Suite G80, 33 Mitchell Avenue, directly across the street from UHS Binghamton General Hospital.

For more information, please visit nyuhs.org.