The value of preventive health care is well established
Preventive health care helps identify emerging risk factors for physical health, like rising blood pressure and cholesterol. This approach to health helps find new conditions as early as possible. Biometric screenings give us insight into rising risks, and mammograms and colonoscopies help find cancer early. We need to promote our mental health with the same effort and intent.
Pay attention to your mental health
Some simple things can help promote mental health and build resilience. Healthy relationships are a key part of the foundation of good mental health. Surround yourself with people that you like, admire and trust. They’ll become the social support network you can lean on when you need help, and it builds your sense of self-esteem to offer support to people you care about.
Make taking time for self-care a priority. It can be anything that relaxes your body and calms your mind – reading a book, walking in nature or having coffee with a friend. It’s easy to lose yourself in family, work and social obligations. You’ll find you have more energy and enthusiasm for them when you’ve met your own needs.
Watch for warning signs
A big part of preventive physical health is being aware of the symptoms that might hint at a problem. The same is true for mental health. Take note if you find that you’re losing interest in things you once loved or that you’re not bouncing back as quickly as you usually do. Sleep can also be a clue, both sleeping more than usual and not sleeping well. Don‘t dismiss it if you’re worried more than usual or have trouble concentrating. For many of us, these are signs that it’s time to pay some extra attention to our mental health.
The reward can be whole health in the long term
Managing your health isn’t always easy, and over time a variety of emotions can arise. Determination, confidence, anticipation, frustration, anxiety, and depression are all normal and natural. It’s important to be able to recognize them and talk about them. Our clinicians are trained to create safe spaces for our members to share every part of their health journey with no fear of judgment.
Let’s do the same as a society. Let’s make it acceptable to talk about mental health concerns as openly – and with the same degree of seriousness – as we would talk about high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Services are provided by ActiveHealth Management, Inc. Our programs, care team and care managers do not provide diagnostic or direct treatment services. We assist you in getting the care you need, and our program is not a substitute for the medical treatment and/or instructions provided by your health care providers.