The mind-body connection means we need to tend to our mental health to maintain and improve our overall well-being. During National Mental Health Awareness Month, NewBridge Services encourages you to add simple actions to your routine that can make a big impact on how you feel. Try one or more, experimenting to see which suit you. The goal is less stress, more peace and increased energy. Your mind and body will thank you!

Take relaxation breaks. A few minutes of paying attention as you take slow, deep breaths can be soothing. Meditation and yoga are excellent for relaxation but require practice.
Walk, stretch, move. Exercise releases endorphins and boosts mood.
Establish good sleep habits. Have a set time to go to sleep and to wake up. Relax the half hour before bedtimes. Aim for 7 to 9 hours at a stretch.
Nourish your body. Choose healthy meals and snacks most of the time. Drink plenty of water. Limit alcohol and caffeine.
Set manageable goals. Accept that you cannot control everything and set priorities. Breaks larger tasks into smaller, achievable goals.
Reframe negative thoughts. Consider the silver lining in even unpleasant circumstances. Shifting your perspective and focusing on constructive thoughts cultivates a positive mindset.
Connect with others. Call a friend or family member. Volunteer or join a community group. A sense of belonging gives our lives purpose.
Practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal or spending a few minutes a day thinking about the good in your life cultivates optimism, and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Spend time in nature. Being outdoors and taking in the sights, sounds and smells is relaxing. It can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Limit screen time. Spending less time on electronic devices and social media can improve your mind’s focus, sleep quality, social connections and overall life balance.

Adopting behaviors like these into your routine can go a long way to improving your mental and physical well-being. However, you may find these aren’t enough. That’s when it’s time to seek support from a mental health professional who uses evidence-based techniques proven to be effective.

How to Recognize Mental Illness

Mental illnesses can affect thinking, mood and behavior. They include: anxiety disorders like phobias; mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder; behavioral disorders like ADHD; personality disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia; and trauma- and stress-related disorders.

The severity of mental illness can be reduced through early intervention. Warning signs of mental illness include:

Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
Increased worry or feeling stressed
A need for alcohol or drugs
Sadness or hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
Engaging in high-risk activities
Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people

NewBridge provides Mental Health First Aid training to recognize symptoms of mental illness in both adults and youth and how to respond. To learn more about evidence-based MHFA training opportunities, contact Director of Community Response and Education Beth Jacobson at ejacobson@newbridge,org or (973) 686-2242.

Key findings from Mental Health America’s 2023 report on the state of mental health in America showed that one in five American adults has experienced a mental illness — more than 50 million people — and more than half went untreated, according to the report. Severe mental illness affects 5.4% of adults. Of the 15% of adults who reported a substance use disorder, only 6.5% received any form of treatment, according to the report.

Among youth ages 12 to 17, 11.5% are experiencing severe major depression; 16.4% reported suffering a major depressive episode in the past year. Only 40% of youth with major depression received any mental health treatment, the report stated.

NewBridge Services’ licensed clinicians are available in-person or through telehealth sessions. Call (973) 316-9333 to schedule an appointment. NewBridge accepts most insurances.