Oftentimes, the changing of seasons may evoke feelings of sadness and anxiety. As the sun sets earlier in the day and the temperatures cool down, many people tend to start spending more time inside and not getting as much natural vitamin D as they should. These mental health changes are reported more during this time of the year; however, people wrestle with their mental state year round. It is important to know that there are many options that you can take advantage of, no matter where you live in Mississippi.
Mental Health Discussions
Although mental health discussions are becoming more mainstream, it remains a difficult matter to discuss that is often accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment. One of the most crucial factors to understand is that if you’re dealing with mental health struggles, you are not alone. Managing one’s emotional state can be challenging, but thankfully, there is a wealth of information available for anyone who needs it. Here are a few ways to start working on your mental health.
A few tips to help you navigate the fall season are:
- Speak with a trusted friend or family member. It is crucial for those who you love and trust know that you’re struggling with your mental health.
- Start going to therapy. Mississippi has a plethora of amazing mental health resources— including exceptional therapists to choose from.
- Go outside at least once a day. When the weather is chillier, it is easier to retreat to our beds and couches and wrap ourselves up in a comfortable blanket; however, going outside is an easy way to make yourself feel better. Try getting at least ten minutes of fresh air a day.
- Set time aside for journaling. Sometimes, writing how we feel is a great way to maintain mental wellness. Some people start gratitude journals and write a few things they are grateful for daily. This is a wonderful resource that may help change your perspective!
- Be a friend. You never know what someone is dealing with behind the scenes. Make sure you treat every person with kindness and lend a helping hand if you can. Holding a door open for someone or letting a person go in line before you in the grocery store can boost someone’s mood. No kind act goes unnoticed.
Available Resources Within Mississippi
Mississippi has several resources for people dealing with mental illness. No matter how minimal or severe you believe your situation to be, anyone can take advantage of these tools.
- Pine Grove. Did you know that Pine Grove has one of the most renowned and respected mental health professionals and programs in the nation? People have come from all over the country to learn the necessary tools to improve their mental health. Pine Grove is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and offers many programs including (but not limited to) family counseling, PHP (partial hospital program), in-patient care, and other wonderful options.
- Right Track Medical Group. Right Track has locations in the following cities: Hattiesburg, Oxford, Biloxi, Madison, Olive Branch, Starkville, and Tupelo. People all over the state have access to this resource. One of the standout features of Right Track is their self assessment, where you answer a series of questions about yourself to assess whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and / or other mental illnesses that may need to be addressed by a professional.
- Better Help. Although this is an app, you can be matched with a professional therapist within the state of Mississippi. Convenient mental health care is crucial because many people have work hours that clash with the office hours of therapists. Better Help has therapists that are available after hours. You can even choose the type of session you want (messaging, video chat, or phone call).
Getting Through it Together
As we adjust to cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets, let’s ensure that we take advantage of the resources provided within the state to support ourselves and our fellow Mississippians.
