Maintaining Good Mental Health

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and LandrumHR is committed to promoting the importance of maintaining good mental health, ways to do so, and resources for our employees that can help.

It is important to maintain good mental health as emotions, thoughts and attitudes affect our energy, productivity, relationships and overall health. Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being and it affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, make choices and function each day.

Mental health disorders affect people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures. Each mental health issue manifests differently and varies from person-to-person and from time-to-time. These problems tend to be more prevalent and difficult to cope with in conditions that include high unemployment, low income, stressful working conditions, discrimination, violations of human rights, unhealthy lifestyle, social exclusion and limited education. Additionally, there are many different factors that can affect your mental health, including genes or brain chemistry, trauma or abuse, family history of mental health issues, and your lifestyle (diet, physical activity and substance use).

Good mental health is the foundation for effective functioning and well-being for both individuals and the communities they live in. Luckily, there are ways to cope with stress, fear and worry.

Focus on what you can control.
Even in the face of crisis, there are things you can do to manage your anxiety and fears. In general, one of the best ways to handle uncertainty is to focus on what you have control over. When you feel yourself getting caught up in the fear of what might happen, try to shift your focus to things you can control.

Reassess your financial status.
If you are under financial stress due to the implications of COVID-19 it’s best to reassess your financial strategy as soon as possible and adjust your budget and banking relationships as needed.

Get adequate sleep.
Sticking to a sleep schedule helps reset the body’s clock and supports falling and staying asleep, which promotes improved mental health. For the best possible results commit to a consistent bedtime routine, avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime and try to focus on positive and calming thoughts before sleeping.

Have fun and decompress.
Have fun and do something you enjoy to help relieve stress! Find positive outlets to unwind such as volunteering, learning a new skill, reading, running, kayaking, biking or hiking. It is just as important to find something that allows you to decompress, such as watching movies, listening to music or alternatively, have a day where you do nothing at all.

Break the stigma: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
Occasional or long-lasting mental disorders are serious conditions which can affect your thinking, mood and behavior. Certain mental, social and behavioral health problems may interact with each other and intensify effects on a person’s behavior and well-being. These mental disorders are common, and more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with one at some point in their life. It is important to seek professional help to treat your mental disorder. If left untreated, serious mental health deterioration and other medical related problems can result.

Reach out to a professional when you feel most comfortable. Practice saying you’re not okay and have someone go with you for support. Also, do not be afraid of a diagnosis. A mental health professional can help you:

• Come up with plans for solving problems
• Feel stronger in the face of challenges
• Change behaviors that hold you back
• Look at ways of thinking that affect how you feel
• Heal pains from your past
• Figure out your goals
• Build self-confidence

Did you know?
Through Behavioral Health Systems, all LandrumHR employees and their dependents may receive up to three free consults per year with behavioral counselors, financial advisors, attorneys and/or well-being/work-life specialists.

Accessing LandrumHR’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
LandrumHR employees may call the dedicated Behavioral Health Systems Care Coordinator at 800-245-1150 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. After hours, weekend and holiday calls are answered by licensed mental health professionals.

Behavioral Health Systems’ Care Coordinators are caring, knowledgeable, credentialed counseling professionals who have been selected for their commitment to treat everyone with sensitivity, respect and concern. The Care Coordinator will verify personal information to confirm eligibility, ask questions about needs and preference, and will assist in referring to the appropriate counselor or provider.

Additionally, through Behavioral Health Systems’ EAP benefit LandrumHR employees gain access to:

• Benefit Information
• Member Tips & Resources
• Self-Assessment Tools
• Newsletters & Fact Sheets
• Appointment Requests

For more information about the EAP benefit visit www.behavioralhealthsystems.com.

Logging in to BHS’ MemberAccess:

1. Create an account
2. Use your Employer ID: landrum

Ultimately, maintaining good mental health is important because it can help you cope with stress, be physically healthy, foster positive relationships, make meaningful contributions to the community, work productively and further your potential.

If you are interested in employment opportunities with LandrumHR, please view our job openings here.