What’s something you do to prioritize your mental health?

My first step was to rise above the bias and excuses and admit that my struggle was more than I could handle myself. Educating myself about what depression and anxiety look like and accepting that, even if just for a while, meds could help my brain return to its proper function. I take meds for headaches and body pains, so why not help heal my brain?
Therapy was something I had a hard time accepting because I felt I was talking about my problems plenty, but under the supervision of an expert, I was able to make peace with my past because my ranting became a constructive process.
No matter how tough we are, no matter how resolute, a traumatic event will leave its imprint on us, and the body will choose how to react. We can choose to help it or let the "computer virus" take over.

Try to work in many of the tools that are offered by the VA to care for Mental Health conditions, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation. Also, make sure that exercise and reflection are apart of the daily routine.

Hello,
It helps me to do light reading, word puzzles, Jane's Journey, find objects and picture where you have to identify what is wrong. These activities can be done on your tablet or smart phone. Light cleaning also helps me to stay positive and ease the wondering of my mind. I hope that this helps someone!
Thank you.

I prioritize mental health by ensuring my work/life balance is in check. In terms of life, I make the necessary "me" time which allows me to assess my thoughts without life's distractions (i.e. marriage, kids, etc...). The "me" time requires sacrifice of my sleeping in on a day-to-day basis but its worth it. In terms of work, I use to give up some of my free time on work and learned the hard way its wasn't worth it. I am not preaching don't do your job to the best of your ability but there is only so much can be done during work hours.

I'm now in my 61st year and have dealt with depression and thoughts of suicide since I served in the Army 79-87. Although I never saw combat, I was witness to both horrible accidents and several deaths. I've always sucked it up, internalized it and began to drink. As you would guess, the drinking never solved anything, it just made things worse. My closest brother who had similar issues did succeed in taking his own life. He, through his actions was able to put a stick up my ass and allowed me to see what would eventually happen to me if I didn't wake the hell up. I started counseling and seeing my local priest for spiritual guidance. Today, although I still struggle, I'm in much better shape and I work daily through prayer for the strength to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up to become adults. I have a special needs granddaughter that struggles everyday to stay alive and she does it with a smile. She is only two, but shares her strength with me and takes away all my pain. She helps me want to live my life full of joy and wonderment.
For anyone out there that needs help, please find a counselor and more importantly, find someone or something that can cause you to realize how important you are alive.

Listen to Calm on a daily basis

I try to maintain a positive mental attitude while proceeding in my my day working along side veterans and nonveterans alike , not an easy task with non veterans.. !!

Daily reminding myself of everything that I am grateful for, and thanking God for it.

I have been a student of the Bible for over 47 years. I've had 3 surgeries for a pituitary tumor. Before I had my first surgery in 1990, I knew about 400 verses by reference and verse. After the surgery it took me a year to reach 20. The 2ne and 3rd surgeries were in 1997. It took until 1998 to feel like I was at about 80% of where I was before the 1st surgery. I began working on memorizing verses again. I know where the 400 verses are in my Bible. But I can only do about 100+/- verses now. And that's pretty good after all I've been through. I'm still working on more. I am a staunch believer that this helps me live a balanced life.

I try to make time for me. Unplug then rest, breathe and stretch. Just disconnect from all the stress of each day.