This May is Mental Health Month

 Look Around, Look Within: Your surroundings say a lot about your mental health

Lake County, OH: During this year’s Mental Health Month, which was started in 1949, Mental Health America invites you to Look Around, Look Within as we consider every part of our environment and its effect on our mental health and well-being. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around you affects your mental health.

 

During this Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

 

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what is called “social determinants of health”. The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

 

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being.

 

• Work toward securing safe and stable housing: This can be challenging due to finances, age, and other reasons, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to local Lake ADAMHS Board contract agencies, like Extended Housing and Lifeline, to secure housing, obtain a partial rental subsidy, or finding another space (such as a community center or friend’s home) until you are able to live independently.
• Focus on your home: Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly, and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive.
• Create bonds with your neighborhood and community: Get to know the people living around you, join or start neighbors-helping-neighbors groups, and check out local community centers and their events.
• Connect with nature: Walk or hike in a forest or Lake Metropark, sit in one of the many city parks, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light.

 

If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition. “If you have questions about a mental health condition, please contact our strong local system of support, the Compass Line assists individuals in sorting through feelings and symptoms, explore options, and get connected quickly with local resources,” stated Kim Fraser, Executive Director of the Lake ADAMHS Board. The Compass Line is open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is 440-350-2000.

According to the World Health Organization, people with severe mental health disorders have a 10–25-year reduction in life expectancy.

 

“Ignoring the symptoms of mental health disorders can cause further problems relating to an individual’s well-being. Prevention, early identification, and intervention are important steps in the process to recovery. Integrated services are available throughout Lake County,” said John R. Hamercheck, Lake County Commission President.

 

“Stable housing, great neighborhoods and outstanding parks are all things that can help improve mental health. When you add in the outstanding Lake ADAMHS Board network of nonprofits and services, Lake County residents thrive,” stated John Plecnik, Lake County Commissioner.

 

“Speaking out about life with mental illness can familiarize others on how to recognize symptoms in order to empower individuals to be agents in their own recovery,” said Richard J. Regovich, Lake County Commissioner.

 

For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.

 

About the Lake County ADAMHS Board

The Lake County ADAMHS Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services available to residents who are living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. For more information, please visit www.HelpThatWorks.us.

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Photo attached owned and able to be used for media. Photo credit, MHANational.org/May