What do you do to maintain or improve your mental health?

Volunteer, cycle for veterans, and cycle for exercise, fun, and fitness.

Continue to learn new things and spend time in God's Word

I regularly engage in yoga to force myself out of negative thoughts. The VA now offers free sessions

I am very dedicated to maintaining my mental health. It almost killed me when I did not. It has been a long road since getting discharged from the Air Force (2008) due to my Bipolar diagnosis, but I persevered. I provide self care / maintain my MH in a multitude of ways beyond the stereotypical ideas like pedicures. Here are a few:
1. Adhere to my medication regimen.
2. Actively engage in therapy. This includes individual and group sessions like Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, STAIR methods, Opposite Actions, safety plans, +5 to -5 benchmark definitions, Describe - Express - Assert - Reinforce - Mindful - Appear Confident - Negotiate (DEAR MAN), decision balance.
3. Make sure all my monthly bills are current and paid
4. Keep my house in clean working order
5. Spend time with my 3 dogs (registered as ESA)
6. Spend time with my family. Raised my son to have empathy, understanding, and love.
7. Spend time sewing clothing, quilts, pillows, purses, etc. for family and friends. This is my biggest outlet.
8. Helping those who need help. I have been the person who has been left behind, abused, etc. I help others who have nowhere else to go and show them that there is still good in this world.
9. Maintaining quality friendships over quantity.

I stay physically active and try to learn something new each day.

Stay physically active and I try to learn something new every day.

I like to go hiking. Nature is so vibrant currently and the liveliness of all the animals and insects makes it so exciting, but if it’s raining then I find that I can crochet the day away and create something useful but also I found church’s and a couple organizations like to give small things away to people to brighten their day.

First I talk with someone down at the VA. This does not make you weak, it gives you an outlet and for you to get a response on how to work through it through a third parties view. Don't let others opinions tear you down! They don't live your life! Look at those who care and those around you that you care for. This is what is important! Never feel alone that is what will get you the most. Talk and get someone you can call anytime. You are loved and you are needed! This is how I deal with my mental health. Don't think I don't slip every once in a while; but I will always get back on track because I am someone. Just Talk to someone!

Family time, Church service and activities, Gardening, Golf and gatherings with friends. All of these activities support my mental and physical health as well as the community we live in.

After years of trying to do outward things that I thought were helping me inward, I had a nervous breakdown and needed help badly. It was at that point I finally really turned to my faith in Jesus for my mental health. As part of that, I have been working with a therapist who has been helping me to learn how to practice mindfulness and contemplative prayer. These practices have really transformed the way I participate in life because it has taught me to observe my thoughts, feelings, and emotions as just what they are - thoughts, feelings, and emotions - but they don’t define me or how I act. With this new realization of my true self, I have finally been experiencing true mental peace even in the midst of the storms around me. This has freed me to go out and be much more present to others.