NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
HHS wants to highlight the importance of mental health and share resources that can help improve people’s overall health and well-being.
HHS believes that the more we talk about mental health, the more normalized the conversation will be, which will make it easier for people to find the help they need.
The HHS Division of Behavioral Health has strategies and action steps everyone can take to support their mental health.
- practice gratitude By thinking about what you are grateful for and finding something to celebrate. Consciously practicing gratitude reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
- volunteer By getting involved in community organizations and finding opportunities to help others. This will give you a positive boost and a sense of purpose.
- engage in random acts of kindness By buying coffee for the person in the back, holding the door open, or making food for the neighbor.
- practice mindfulness By meditating for a few minutes, taking a yoga class, or doing some breathing exercises.
- ask for help Whether it’s for yourself or someone else. Recovery is possible.
Here are some other resources you can use to keep your mental health strong.
988 Lifeline for suicide and crisis
If you are having thoughts of suicide, have a mental health or substance use crisis, emotional distress, or are concerned about a loved one, call or text 988 or chat here I can. Phone calls, texts, and chats are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Mental Health Program Directory
Last fall, HHS launched the Mental Health Program Directory to connect people with mental health services. This directory lists programs by location, target population, mental health specialty, treatment options, and intervention options.
Additional treatment options
HHS has eight service centers that provide community-based behavioral health treatment services, walk-in assessments, crisis services, and referral services. You can find recovery support here.
