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

I am still trying to figure this out. I have a dog and she helps a lot. Everyone keeps saying that you need a support system, but it’s hard for me to trust anyone or believe that people care, so having a support system is virtually impossible for me. I have an opportunity to volunteer at a Marine mammal hospital if my schedule allows it, so I am excited about that. I also enjoy getting a massage or pedicure every few months.

I have a morning routine, prayer, journaling, AA meeting, all done by 7am. I see a therapist twice a month, i keep in contact with peers in recovery. I walk about 20 miles a week. I show gratitude.

I started seeing a therapist last year. It was on and off for years but I didn't know it takes time to find the right one that works well with you. So after encouragement from my wife I kept searching and found one that I was more open to speak with.

Keep active.

1. Eat right. 2. Exercise. 3. Sleep. 4. Work hard and have a purpose. 5. Play hard and have interests and hobbies that allow me to rest.

I suffer from Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. For me, I have had to balance all aspects of my life and I am the happiest I have ever been! I run, do yoga, read my Bible, go to church, hike with the dogs, spend time with my friend and family, and took the steps to get an actual mental health screening with the VA. I have now been on the right medicines for over two years. These combines with life style changes have changed my relationships, parenting, marriage, and have made me just happy in my own skin everyday. The other extremely important thing I have changed is that when I feel depression starting on, I immediately ask my friends to get together. Whether it is to hike or just for coffee, it pulls me up before I slip down!

I make sure I take my meds like I should. I try to get out and about and try my best to associate with other people and to get fresh air and sun shine to help lift me up.

Working on a computer from home has me sitting for long hours. To decompress, I manage the yardwork at my house (mowing, flowers, power washing, etc.). It gets me outside, gets me moving, and gives me a sense of pride in something outside of the daily grind. Cheers to the mental clarity I have the following day!

What helps with my mental health is to make a difference in other peoples lives in my community. This is why I became a teacher. To be able to make a difference in the lives of our future generations makes me feel like I can continue what I did in the military and do it on a local level. This creates a unique opportunity to train, and equip others as the Army did for me so that when they get older hopefully they can become more productive members of our society.

I walk and read the bible. Faith and exercise keeps from decomposing altogether. We all need help in some form.