Being in great physical shape is part of living a healthier life but not the whole story. Taking care of your body is obviously extremely important, but so is nurturing your mental, social, and emotional well-being, especially for a fulfilling life. Your mental health determines so much about you, including your feelings and actions, and influences your decisions and relationships every day.
No matter what you’re going through or where you live, there is support out there. VitAL provides resources you need so you don’t struggle alone, whether you’re supporting a loved one or seeking help for yourself.
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Definition and Importance of Mental Health
While your physical health keeps you strong and energetic, mental health ensures a balanced state of mind that helps you manage stress, perform effectively at work or school, and relate well with others.
However, when your mental health is struggling, even simple tasks like getting out of bed, showering, and cooking can feel overwhelming. You may also notice physical symptoms such as digestive issues, sleep disturbances, headaches, and fatigue.
Signs of Good Mental Health
- Finding joy in life, even when facing difficult experiences
- Maintaining positive relationships by practicing healthy boundaries and effective communication
- Adapting to situations and embracing new perspectives
- Prioritizing personal hygiene
- You have healthy ways of coping with stress, such as exercising and talking to loved ones
- Engaging in self-care routines such as regular exercise, meditation, healthy eating, and adequate rest
- Setting and achieving goals at work, school, and in your personal life
- You’re tolerant of situations that once provoked you
- You know your weaknesses and believe in your abilities
- Maintaining a healthy balance between family, work, leisure, and other aspects of your life
Signs of Poor Mental Health
- Sudden changes in weight and appetite
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Prolonged feelings of sadness without a clear cause
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Constant fatigue despite getting enough sleep
- Neglecting personal hygiene and daily responsibilities
- Relying on substance use and risky sexual behavior to cope with stress
- Frequent arguments with friends, family, and colleagues
- Declining performance at work or school
- Restlessness and frequent outbursts of anger
Noticing these signs in yourself or someone you care about allows you to find the help you need and restore balance in your life. Remember, reaching out for professional mental health support isn’t a weakness; it’s a brave act of self-care and a step toward healing.
Get HelpEffective treatment is accessible, and recovery is possible for anyone struggling with their mental health. The following treatments are available depending on your symptoms, personal preferences, and unique mental health needs.
Medications don’t cure mental illness: They’re often used with other treatments to manage your symptoms. Your doctor might also prescribe more than one drug for different symptoms. While some people respond to medication immediately, others take days (or even weeks) to feel better.
Additionally, some drugs come with side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. Your healthcare provider can decide to lower your dosage or prescribe alternative treatment if the side effects affect your day-to-day activities. Medications include:
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants improve the symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in your favorite activities, difficulties concentrating, and sapped energy.
- Anti-anxiety Medication: Anti-anxiety medications offer short-term relief for anxiety and panic disorders and help relieve symptoms such as insomnia and agitation.
- Stimulants: Stimulants reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity and work to help people concentrate more.
- Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are often prescribed for patients who are bipolar to manage depressive and manic episodes.
- Antipsychotic Drugs: Antipsychotic drugs are prescribed for psychotic disorders like schizophrenia to help patients feel calm, think clearly, and focus on what’s real.
Even a slight adjustment to your daily habits can improve your mental health and well-being. The following lifestyle changes can reduce stress, improve how you feel, and make your life more fulfilling.
- Improve your sleep quality
- Reduce alcohol and substance use
- Exercise regularly
- Eat balanced, nutritious meals
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing
Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, psychotherapy is combined with other treatments to manage addictions, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and other conditions. It involves structured conversations with mental health professionals to help patients understand their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings—and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Support groups provide a safe space to share your emotions and experiences without feeling judged. By relating to each other’s struggles, support groups remind you that you’re not alone, no matter what you’re facing.
In addition to providing emotional support, support groups offer practical advice to manage your symptoms and cope with everyday challenges. This is in addition to meeting accountability partners to share progress and celebrate milestones with.
Even if you’re not suffering from a mental illness, psychotherapy can support your personal growth, improve relationships, and help you cope with life’s transitions, such as grief, divorce, and job loss.
This form of mental health support is delivered through digital means including video calls, messaging, and phone calls. You can attend therapy sessions from the comfort of your home or office, regardless of where you are at the time. Additionally, you can schedule sessions at the most convenient times and even arrange emergency appointments for urgent situations, such as when you’re having panic attacks or thoughts related to self-harm. Additionally, you have access to a variety of teletherapy options, including individual therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy.
Myths and Misunderstandings
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Myth 1: Only weak people need therapy.
Fact: Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to recognize you’re unwell and need help to improve your mental health and well-being.
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Myth 2: Mental illness isn’t real.
Fact: Like other diseases that affect the body, mental illnesses are legitimate medical conditions backed by scientific evidence. Mental health conditions are recognized by medical professionals all over the world and can come about from psychological, social, and biological factors.
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Myth 3: Mental illness is permanent.
Fact: Many conditions are treatable. With the right treatment, support, and lifestyle changes, people can manage their symptoms, recover, and lead fulfilling lives.
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Myth 4: Anyone suffering from mental illness is dangerous and violent.
Most people with mental illness aren’t violent or dangerous In reality, they’re more likely to become victims of violent crimes rather than perpetrators.
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Myth 5: Mental illness doesn’t affect children.
Fact: Mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and eating disorders can manifest in childhood. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, early intervention can prevent the symptoms from worsening and improve your child’s self-esteem, social skills, and even physical health.
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Myth 6: You only need therapists if you don’t have friends.
Fact: While friends and family provide encouragement and a sense of belonging, you need more than just a sympathetic ear to overcome your mental health challenges. Trained therapists identify underlying issues and provide specialized help beyond what your friends can offer. Additionally, therapists create a safe, confidential space to share your struggles without the fear of judgment or burdening others.
Crisis Resources and Suicide Prevention
Immediate help is available whenever you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. You can seek support from the following resources:
- Contact the 988 Lifeline (The (800) 273-8255 line is still active and will automatically redirect callers to 988.) You can also visit 988lifeline.org to speak with a counselor.
- Text ‘HOME’ to the 741741 Crisis Text Line to have a confidential conversation with a crisis counselor
- Call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 1-866-488 or text ‘START’ To 678-678 for youth and LGBTQ+ support
- Call the Central Alabama Crisis Center at 205-323-7777
- Call the Youth Talk Line at 205-328-5465
Mental Health and Physical Health Connection
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand: Your physical health can affect your mental state, and vice versa.
For example, poor mental health can wear down your body and expose you to chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. You’re also at risk of sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia.
Likewise, poor physical health can increase feelings of helplessness, anxiety, stress, and depression and push you to unhealthy coping habits like smoking, drinking, and substance use.
Here’s how to adjust your physical routine to support your body and mind.
- Yoga, running, weight training, cycling, and other physical activities can help you relieve stress, improve alertness, and boost energy and mood.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
- Drink plenty of water
- Get enough sleep
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, and other forms of mindfulness
Local Resources and Support Services
- Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Wings Across Alabama Warmline
University Counseling Programs
Steps to Access Care
Identify Your Needs
Think about the challenges you’re facing and the type of support you need. For example, you can decide between group therapy and one-on-one sessions or virtual support and in-person care.
Find a Licensed Mental Health Professional
Search online directories or ask for referrals from trusted sources such as friends, family, or your doctor. You can also reach out to local community health centers for recommendations and support.
Verify Your Insurance
Confirm whether your insurance coverage includes mental health services. You can ask about specific services such as inpatient care, medication, therapy, and psychiatric evaluations to fully understand your benefits. Additionally, clarify cost details such as deductibles, copays, and limits on the covered sessions.
Book an Appointment
Once you’ve settled on a provider, contact them to book an appointment. Some therapists even offer a free initial consultation to help you decide if they’re a good fit. Remember, you can always reach out to different therapists until you find the right one for you.
How We Can Support You
Overview of Programs and Services
At VitAL, we’re committed to improving mental health across Alabama through a variety of programs and partnerships. Here are some of the projects we’re actively engaged in:
- Project FREEDOM: This initiative focuses on preventing opioid overdose across the state through research and education.
- OD2A: As a sub-recipient of the OD2A grant, VitAL is building an application to provide behavioral health educational resources.
- MI Children’s: VitAL trainers collaborate with the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) personnel to ensure training maintains curriculum standards.
- AWSP: This program provides mental wellness first aid training to managers and supervisors.
- Project Responsibilities: VitAL has partnered with the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, ADMH, People Engaged in Recovery, and Recovery Organization of Support Specialists to create and expand programs to divert people away from criminal justice systems.
- Every Step: The program’s mission is to reduce infant mortality across Alabama by addressing issues such as substance use, domestic violence, and depression.
- SBIRT: VitAL has collaborated with the University of Alabama and ADMH to improve the well-being of people affected by addiction, substance abuse, mental illness, and developmental disabilities.
- IPS Works: This project empowers individuals to increase their self-esteem and self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on others.
- Project Support: The program trains public safety, EMS, and fire personnel to respond to individuals with serious mental conditions.
- Zero Suicide: The goal of this project is to reduce suicide rates in Alabama’s underserved counties.
Contact Information for Assistance
At VitAL Alabama, we strive to make mental health support more accessible through our initiatives and partnerships. Connect with us today, and we’ll help you take the next step toward healing.
Contact VitAL Today