Monthly Mental Health Moment: May 2022
Go Green!
While the environment and sustainability is important, that is not what these words refer to. It is not even a throwback to my medical school days at Tulane. This column and the rallying cry to “Go Green!” is in honor of Mental Health Awareness month.
While every month should be a time that we consider our mental health, May is designated as Mental Health Awareness month and the international symbol is a green ribbon. So….
Go Green!
What are some things that you can do? Think about your professional and personal life—are you finding joy? Fulfillment? Are you making time to connect with family and friends? Are you finding time for the things you enjoy—reading before you go to bed. Playing video games with friends. Hiking.
Are you recognizing simple pleasures in the day? Taking time to enjoy the warm weather? The flowers? A sunset? A deep breath that lets you center yourself.
These are just a few suggestions to help you reconnect to your day and consider your emotional/mental health.
If you are not certain that you are doing well—you can complete our anonymous screening that looks at depression, anxiety, and stress. A therapist will provide feedback and discuss available services. No pressure. We are here to help.
Anonymous free mental health screening
Check in with your co-workers, friends and family. When you ask how they are and get the typical, “I’m fine”, ask them if they are really fine. It has been a tough few years. Do they need any help? We always say that we are “fine” but clearly many of us have struggled with the pandemic. The profession of healthcare brings its own unique stresses. Don’t feel like you have to say you’re fine if you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
Go Green! Green is for Go! Go, Get the Help You Need!
We are here to help. Feel free to reach out.
Best,
Martha Peaslee Levine, MD
Director, Office for Professional Mental Health
Good luck on your new adventures.
Even good change can be stressful, so do take care of yourselves. We are wishing you all of the best!
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In This Month's Newsletter
Mindfulness
Enjoyment
Nourish body and soul
Toss out negativity
Align with your Values
Laugh! Lots and Loud
Help Care for Yourself
Exercise—body and mind
Authenticity
Live in the Moment
Talk/Connect
Have Hope. If this moment is hard, the next can be better.
7 Behaviors for Improving Mental Health (National Alliance on Mental Health)
31 Tips To Boost Your Mental Health (Mental Health America)
Penn State College of Medicine
Office for Professional Mental Health
500 University Drive, Suite C1746
Hershey, PA 17033
717-531-8658
pmh@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
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