Henry County Health Center offers program for mental health

May is Mental Health Month and was started 72 years ago by national organization, Mental Health America. To help combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns, Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions is highlighting #Tools2Thrive — what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19.

This past year presented many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The pandemic forced us to cope with situations never before imagined, and many of us struggled with our mental health as a result.

The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities. Throughout the pandemic, many people found themselves struggling with mental health challenges for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on tools that can help us process the events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19.

“This past year forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over,” Chasity Lange, program director of HCHC’s Senior Life Solutions said. “If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone.”

Fortunately, there are practical tools that can help improve mental health. HCHC’s program is focused on managing anger and frustration, recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns and making time to take care of yourself.

Ultimately, during this month of May, Senior Life Solutions wants to remind everyone that mental illness is real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“With this, it’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time,” Lange said. “Change won’t happen overnight.

“Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.”

For more information, visit mhanational.org/may, or call HCHC’s Senior Life Solutions at 319-385-6552.