citizensmemorial.com 11 MENTAL HEALTH Help your treatment succeed Many Americans are affected by mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Your health care provider will help you make a treatment plan. You can also take the following wellness steps. They can help you gain a sense of control and might help your treatment succeed. Exercise your options. Regular physical activity can have a mood-boosting effect by increasing levels of endorphins, which are feel-good brain chemicals. For maximum mental health benefits, seek out activities you enjoy, even if it’s just dancing to your favorite music or playing fetch with a dog. Aim for 30 minutes of activity on most days. Take medication regularly, as directed. Some medicines can take time to work. Don’t stop taking a medication without talking with your provider, even if you feel better. If you have concerns about a medication, talk to your provider about adjusting the dosage or alternative options, says Sara Neal, PsyD, a psychologist with the CMH Willard Medical Center and Walk-In Clinic. Connect with others. Our brains crave companionship. Meeting up with another friendly face in person can help you feel better. Fuel your brain. A healthy diet can help improve the way you think and feel. Mood boosters include leafy greens, beans and fresh fruit. They also include foods rich in healthy fats, such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and avocados. Avoid or cut down on sugary snacks, alcohol, caffeine and fried foods. Make sleep a priority. Your brain needs sleep to recharge. Aim for seven to nine hours of shut-eye each night. Power down your electronic devices an hour or so before bedtime, and postpone important discussions or brainstorming until tomorrow. Relax by reading by a soft light, taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music before bed. To find a primary care or mental health provider at CMH, go to citizensmemorial.com/search/providers or call the CMH Info Center at 417-328-6010. Michael Etches, M.D. Psychiatry Sara Neal, Psy.D. Psychology New at Willard Medical Center: Behavioral health services CMH Willard Medical Center and Walk-in Clinic, 502 S. Miller Road, Willard. Call 417-761-6655. Sources: HelpGuide; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTI0MzU=