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

Evaluate my friendships regularly. When a friendship is, or becomes, toxic in any way, it is ended.

Forcing a friendship for the sake of a single benefit or trait when it's deficits or detractors are growing or grown will wear you down until there's nothing left. Just because you've known them for years doesn't mean you need to maintain. Just because they have a similar great love of barbecuing or clothing (or whatever) doesn't mean you should give far more than you ever get. Just because they were there for you "that one time" doesn't mean you need to be there for them every time. Energy and/or emotion "vampires" will suck you dry and discard you, don't let yourself be used.

Having to go through some very rough hardships, which included losing all my retirement and investment income, including my home, due to the crash of 2008 at 65 years old, you find yourself evaluating all you thought you knew. This can rock your world along with your mental health. With growing up with a faith in God and trying my best to live a Christian life I found I had to stay the course of living and walking by faith. This was and is who I am and it’s what I do. My mental health was grounded in the word of God, which is the priority of my life. Not to say, this has been an easy road. It has been painful, it has rocked me, and has affected my wife who is the love of my life. Notably, we made a vow to each other to stay together for better or worse. But, when you realize your mental health and spiritual well-being are so tightly connected you better lean in and trust God. He is the one you go to. He is the one that will show his love for you and let you see his miraculous workings. I don’t know if God will restore what was lost but I know he has kept me through the mental battle and will keep me until He calls me home.

At least one day a week go to sleep early and plan to sleep in a bit later so that I can recharge for the week.

At least one day a week go to bed early and plan to sleep in so that I can recharge for the week.

Some things I do to manage my mental health is taking the time to just sit outside and notice the beauty that we have. To feel the wind blow on your face is a blessing. To see the trees, the hear the birds. Small things that we take for granted. Anytime I start to feel low and sorry for myself, I think of those things and the many blessings I have. I also like to volunteer at foodbanks, feed the needy and addiction rehabs. Making someone happy helps make me happy

Realize that not everything requires or deserves my attention. Some things I can't control so I find the humor in it and laugh if I can. If not, I run. I hate running in general but the totally worn out feeling afterwards is worth it. When all else fails, I go for a drive with the music up too loud. Works every time.

To truly understand and embrace that I as a woman I'm not alone in my daily battle with my depression, anxiety, anger, and sadness. That there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that mental health is just as if not more important than physical health at times. I have accepted that with one text message, online message or even phone call I have a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, a voice that will always reassure me in my time of darkness that I'm not alone, its ok to be not ok.

I pray to God and this not only helps me spiritually, but helps me mentally to have healthier and more positive thinking about myself, others, and to deal with my problems, struggles and challenges. Also, when I am able to help others even in small ways (opening a door for them, helping them carry something heavy, and even just listening to others, or when I can make someone smile or laugh, it makes me feel good mentally and emotionally.

I think of those I care about and also care about me. This helps when I start having negative thoughts about the pain I live with daily.

Prayer and meditation before I tackle the day...it's a must for me to maintain soundness and mental stability