More than 1 in 5 American adults live with a mental illness — over 60 million people in 2024.1 Access to care and treatment for mental health issues remains out of reach for most of the population in the US; there are an estimated 320 individuals for every one mental health provider.2
But some simple techniques can help to solve those limitations. Here are some ways to incorporate good mental health tips and effective care into your daily life, no matter your geographical access or cost limitations:
Take a breath: Overcome simple stressors with these relaxation techniques
Harvard Medical School suggests six techniques to incorporate into your daily routine in order to maintain a sense of well-being, calm, and focus.3 By invoking relaxation, these techniques overpower and calm down your body’s natural stress response. Creating a daily practice, even for a few minutes a day — while waiting in the Starbucks drive-through line, or while on hold with your doctor — creates a skill that, in time, you will be able to turn on as needed.
Dr. Ellen Contente, DSS, MA, RSCP, NSA, and founder of Heart-Centered Programs will lead you through the first two techniques, breath focus and body scan.
About 79% of Americans say their own well-being has been negatively affected by personal finances.
Digital tech solutions help make mental health treatment easier than ever
It’s a lesson in irony to realize that while tech may be the root cause of mental wellness challenges, in many instances it may also act as the solution.4
Access to smart, licensed therapists who can screen you for a mental disorder and act as your consistent support system is easy to find virtually now — and can take up a lot less time out of your week. For instance, mental wellness solutions like Spring Health offer networks of providers that work to eliminate typical barriers to care, like appointment wait times and access limitations.
Understand the laws concerning mental illness in the workplace
If you advocate for yourself in the workplace by asking for a raise or time off, then discussing your mental health needs is no different. But if this makes you uncomfortable, or you don’t have a trusting relationship with your manager, there are ways to tailor your work life that do not require you to disclose your diagnosis. For instance, you might be eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or state law equivalent. Some companies offer mental health services, such as an employee assistance program (EAP) that provides a limited number of complimentary therapy sessions.
Visit our Learning Center to discover more resources for well-being.
How financial wellness contributes to your mental health
We tend to think of well-being in terms of physical and mental health, but we may not realize the significant impact finances can have on stress and anxiety.
The fact is, it’s all connected. You’ve got your thoughts on money every single day, right? Financial issues can increase stress, and stress can lead to worse physical and mental health outcomes and have a major impact on overall well-being. About 79% of Americans say their own well-being has been negatively affected by personal finances. But increasingly, Americans are recognizing that their mental health is as important to their wellness as their economic health.5
Talk to your manager
We’ve made major cultural strides in a few short years regarding the transparency of mental health issues. Three in 4 employees say it’s appropriate to discuss mental health at work.6
If your mental health is taking a toll on your work, it’s OK to bring up mental health struggles with your manager, especially if you approach the conversation with candid honesty. In fact, over half of US employees (57%) report feeling comfortable discussing mental health with their manager.7 Your manager could be experiencing the same feelings or could have a loved one struggling with similar mental health issues. Really, the only way your manager will know how you are feeling is by talking to each other.
While managing your mental health can be easier said than done, there are so many techniques and resources available that you shouldn’t feel alone or ill-equipped. Take a breath and reach out.
