Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Protecting your mental health will help you take care of your physical health, recognize emotional and spiritual needs, foster and sustain strong relationships and achieve balance in different areas of your life.

Here are five ways to protect your mental health:

Express your feelings.
Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling or problems you may be facing. Holding these emotions in can make you feel worse.

Set boundaries.
It’s OK to say “no” to activities you know you don’t like or no longer want to do. This might include not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like or not answering your phone at certain times of the day.

Take care of your physical health.
Physical self-care is an important way to manage symptoms of mental health challenges. Eating healthfully, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly are a few ways you can take care of your physical health.

Find a coping mechanism for you.
Everyone is on a unique journey with their own challenges and coping mechanisms. Find a healthy activity that helps you cope with daily stress, such as creating art or music, journaling or connecting with those around you.

Ask for help if you need it.
It’s OK to ask for help. There are mental health professionals and services available to help you manage your symptoms.

These are just a few of the self-care strategies that may help you manage mental health symptoms and develop a coping mechanism that fits your lifestyle.

If these aren’t helping, or if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or your primary care physician.

With the right tools and resources for you, you can take care of yourself and in turn be available for those around you.

For additional support I may be reached at gottahavehope38@gmail.com or by letter to 559 W. Broadway St., Winona, MN. 55987. In person, I am available Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays at the Peer Support Network (PSN) located at 420 E Sarnia St., Winona, MN. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mark Jacobson
Peer support specialist
Winona