Behavioral Health

How are you, really?
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Just like you take time to check out your physical aches and pains, and changes in how you feel physically, it’s important to check in on how you’re feeling emotionally, take note of changes you may be experiencing, and take steps to maintain and improve your mental well-being.

Behavioral Health Parent Child

Need Support?

Emotions and needs change over time as an expected part of life. But if you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, you may benefit from taking a self-assessment. Consider an online self screening mental health assessment.

Take a Self-Assessment Today
Need Support

10 Small Steps You Can Take to Improve and Maintain Your Mental Health

1

Keep in Touch

Catching up with friends and loved ones is important. Even if you can't meet up in person take some time to pick up the phone, text, send an email, or even write a letter. You'll boost their mood, too!

2

Talk About It

While you're catching up, it's okay to get a little deep. Being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways, if you open up it can encourage others to do the same.

3

Get Moving

Exercise and movement relieve stress, improve memory, and can help you sleep better. A proven mood booster!

4

Care for Others

Whether it's a friend, a family member, or even a pet, taking care of someone else's needs can provide meaning for all of us and help us put our own needs into perspective.

5

Rest

Lack of sleep can make it difficult to manage emotions and can worsen mental health symptoms. Stress, depression, and anxiety can make it hard to get a good night's sleep – good sleep habits can help.

6

Feed Your Body and Your Mind

A healthy, balanced diet and getting enough water isn't just good for your physical health – vitamins, minerals, and calories support your mental health, too.

7

Drink Sensibly

Drinking alcohol can feel like an easy way to change your mood, but usually, after drinking to change your mood you feel even worse. Alcohol affects your physical health and your mental health and may lead to avoiding your feelings.

8

Get to Know You

Spending time on self-reflection, getting to know who you are – and accepting who you are – helps you live in the moment. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence, makes you willing to try new things, learn new skills, visit new places, and make new friends!

9

Disconnect

A change of scene can be as easy as changing rooms. Make sure you take time to do the things you enjoy, not just the things you need to do. Take ten minutes to read, head outdoors, or play with your pet.

10

Take a Break

Take a walk, change your seat, log off, or tune out. Taking a break to reset is good for your mental health. Take five or ten minutes to change your focus, or take 30 minutes to eat lunch, write, or read for pleasure. Or, maybe take a few minutes and do nothing at all.

Small changes can make a big difference, but at times all of us need more support. If you’re struggling, don’t go it alone - ask your Northern Light care team for help.

Community Resources for Mental Health and Wellness

Seeking mental health services and support?

Call the Behavioral Health Resource Center at Northern Light Acadia Hospital anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1.800.640.1211 or 207.973.6100 to inquire about available programs and services.

For Veterans

If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harm, please call 911 or one of the following numbers.
Caring people are standing by to help.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:  Dial 9-8-8 or 1.800.273.8255 | Maine Crisis Hotline: 1.888.568.1112

If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1.800.799.4889