Cultivating Mental Health: Blog Series Introduction
Spring is here! The sun is shining, the air is beginning to warm, and all around us nature boasts beautiful reminders that spring is a time for renewal and growth. Even more so, for those of us that struggle with winter-onset SAD - Spring is Life. Like a seedling, we break through a dark and heavy layer of depression, to emerge, somewhat fragile, but eager to grow and flourish in the warmth of the sun! … Sometimes, too eager!
It’s important to note that extreme mood fluctuations are not exactly healthy and can even lead to dangerous behaviors. As good as it might feel when experiencing an extreme emotional high - with a lighter than air mood, increased energy, and renewed zest for life - the old adage usually rings true, “What goes up, must come down.” It goes without saying, that “down” is usually bad; both, for you, and those around you. Extreme mood fluctuations can also create a risk for adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms or habits in pursuit of elevating mood, such as self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol. Instead, we should strive to keep our emotions, stress, mood, and overall mental health firmly planted on an even keel.
Over the next several weeks, our blog series “Cultivating Mental Health”, will explore key factors that significantly impact mental health. We will examine the effects of food, sleep, exercise, social media use, and social relationships to your mental health. It is our hope, by sharing this information that you will be inspired to plant self-care practices into your daily life, which will root positive mental health and propagate emotional well-being and happiness throughout your life.
Related Articles
Cultivating Mental Health: How to Improve Your Mental Health Through Nutrition
Cultivating Mental Health: The Importance of Sleep to Your Mental Health
Cultivating Mental Health: The Benefits of Exercise to Your Mental Health
Cultivating Mental Health: The Importance of Social Relationships
Cultivating Mental Health: Protecting Your Mental Health on Social Media
Mental Health Resources
High Country Behavioral Health provides mental health and addiction services in Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1.800.662.4357 is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Wyoming-Based Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK
Idaho Suicide Prevention 208-398-4357
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255