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

I started Mindfulness meditation therapy this past year and utilize the 3-6-9 rule. Meditate 3 times a day, for 6 days a week for 9 weeks. I then repeat this to maintain a positive balance and continue working on living in the present.

To me mental health is closely related to physical health. I try to start my day with a healthy breakfast. Eat healthy meals. Get regular exercise and 7-8 hours of sleep every day.

I think the best thing I found to do for myself especially after I had to be medically retired was to meditate and visit different state parks. Something about being in nature really does soothe the soul and relaxes the mind in my opinion. Meditation to me brings peace into my life and it helps dealing with others better.

PTSD is real! Being advised by official VA correspondence that "the USAF enlisted non-flyer did not see combat" was a wakeup call for me. Two one-year tours in Republic of Vietnam (Feb 62-Feb 63 at Tan Son Nhut AB and Feb 69-Feb 70 at Bien Hoa AB) dodging "incoming" on a 24-hour basis would have proven that VA DENIER WRONG! I also have an U. S. Army Outstanding Unit Award for Supervising the "Passenger Service" Operating Location at 90th Replacement Unit, Long Binh Army Post, RVN in my "spare time". The bus ride several times a week to and from the units was mostly like playing Dodge Ball with the stray incoming mortars along the route. This was a first-time rude awakening for many Army personnel just downloaded from an inbound "Freedom Bird" and being transported to Long Binh. Therefore, I prioritize my mental health by celebrating my persistence and stick-to-it nature and winning over such VA Deniers with documentation and ability to put real facts, truths, and circumstances on paper. For example, Mortars or Rockets landing inside Large Aircraft Revetments and creating explosive situations did not bode well for Base Fire Fighter Units nor the "Auxiliary Firemen" (me and others) assigned to help. Rocket Strikes resulted in Exploding Aircraft long after the barrage ended. In addition to multiple daily incidents I could relate, the January 5, 1970 attack on the Bien Hoa AB Passenger, Freight, Hazardous Cargo and Barracks areas of the Det 8, 8th Aerial Port Squadron facilities would prove enough excitement for any one tour. Therefore, I attend with glee, commiseration, enjoyment, refreshment, recognition and so many other "I told you so's", a weekly Veteran Administration (VA) Veteran's Center meeting among fellow PTSD and many other "Combat" related and inflicted wounded veterans. After these meetings among fellow afflicted, many still being denied full recognition mostly due to inability to put into words a coherent oral or written narrative of their experiences and mental war wounds I feel refreshed. Many have been diagnosed (as I was) by VA psychiatrists and/or psychologists and medicated and enrolled in supposedly helpful after diagnosis help. These meetings help me keep my VA recognized PTSD within boundaries that allow me to function. I try to help fellow attendees in writing truthful, complete, sometimes frightening, always stressful to the relater, written narratives that have helped several fellow combat veterans achieve hard earned VA percentages. I hope I have not strayed too far from the gist of the question posted but writing about my Vietnam experiences contributes in some ways to my coping and healing!

Ever since i was a little, i was ALWAYS SO FASCINATED with ANYTHING that had to do with Writing, Photography, Drawing, Dancing, Acting and Singing. Yes, i LOVE The Performing Arts and i have NO idea how messed up My life would be IF i could NO longer dance, act, draw and/or sing! I've had MANY stressful times in My childhood life, in My teens, in My early adult life as well as now (into My 50's), so for Me, The BEST thing that "fixes" and relaxes My brain, My thoughts, My heart, My Spirit and My soul IS The Performing Arts, especially Singing because MUSIC IS ME (Hooooraah!). :-)

As a child advocate, I run every week to relieve the pressures that come with my responsibilities. Selfless service has continued into civilian life.

I have a therapist and a psychiatrist through VA. I also take time to pamper myself with a massage and facial once a month, I have my nails and feet done and enjoy the occasional outing. I also take time to just relax everyday.

1. Take my medicine…
2. Read my Bible, Attend church & Pray

I Take time out for my self. Quiet time to be alone and Rember the good times in life and the reasons to go forward I think of my fallen brothers in arms who died in battle and I have a solid reason to go forward for them and live my life for all of us together. I have hobbies to keep me going working on models. I listen to the radio and assembly the models in my shop. I have built shelfs to display model tanks,airplains,ships,and what ever comes along. I will always try to strong for my brothers in arms as long as god gives me life.

Take timeout for myself.