Becky Ela, LCSW
Outpatient Behavioral Health Manager
Delta Health West Elk Clinic
Drum Roll Please…
(It’s Mental Health Month)!
When you’re a mental health provider, here’s what we know:
Every month is mental health month.
Every week is mental health week.
Every day is mental health day.
BUT! This is the month, since 1949 that is recognized as such.
If you are reading this, you likely working for us.
Thanks for Being Here. Truly.
Healthcare is challenging. Rural healthcare, even more so, especially right now. So how are YOU managing our own mental health amidst the noise?
Here are 5 things you can do starting right now to improve how you’re feeling, thinking and doing:
- Focus on what you can control. *NEWSFLASH* You can only control yourself. Not your coworker/husband/neighbor/dog/child/plastic in the ocean/outcome of the draft.
- Limit the amount of news you take in. Ideally, try not to have any news content after 6pm. No one need to know what the stock market is doing at 8pm when they’re trying to wind down and fall asleep.
- Move your body. Walk, dance, chop wood, dig a hole, ride your bike; do something! Those little endorphins will kick in, you’ll ground yourself in your senses and before you know it, you may just feel a lil’ better.
- Dopamine Playlist: Create a playlist of your favorite songs. Listen to it.
On repeat.
- Plan something that you’re looking forward to. It doesn’t have to big thing, but make it meaningful. Having something to thing to look forward to is like a buoy in the ocean. Wednesday night mini-golf anyone?
For more fantastic ideas and/or support for yourself, please reach out to one of us: Your friendly behavioral health providers. Our info is attached.
Marvin( https://www.meetmarvin.com) is a great resource for those of you wanting support after hours or on the weekend. This is an online platform, but you can wear your pajamas!
Above all, take good care of you. You are your biggest asset, in case you didn’t get that memo.
